This software is a free and open server designed for computer Go programs. It allows for easy hosting of game servers and is perfect for those interested in playing Go games online.
The ELO rating system works by using numerical ratings points to predict player performance against other players. The higher the rating points of a player, the more chances they have of winning against a player with a lower rating. The system utilizes a constant called the K-factor, which determines how much a player's rating can change as a result of a single game. This means that the lower your K-factor, the less effect a single game will have in terms of changing your rating.
CGOS applies this concept by giving every player a K-factor that decreases with each game played until it reaches a fixed lower bound of 3.0. New players start with a very high K-factor and an arbitrary rating near the median of all the players. The K-factor used to update a player's rating after a game is determined by the player's current K-factor and their opponent's K-factor. Thus, players with high K-factors will have little impact on their opponent's ratings.
One of the primary concerns with rating systems is rating inflation or deflation. CGOS mitigates this problem by introducing one or more anchor players. An anchor player is a player that has a fixed rating and is always available for games on the server. They ensure that the number of rating points in the population remains more or less fixed. This means that in an inflation or deflation scenario, the anchor players act as a stable presence to keep things in check.
CGOS differentiates players by the confidence it has in their ratings. If a player has a low confidence rating (high K-factor), their rating will appear with a question mark after it, and is not to be trusted until it reaches reasonable confidence.
Overall, CGOS is an excellent game playing server that provides an efficient and reliable way for computer Go programs to be tested and rated accordingly. Its implementation of the ELO rating system and anchor players help maintain a stable rating pool and prevent rating inflation or deflation. With over 200-300 games, players can achieve full confidence in their ratings, ensuring that they can be considered stable and reliable.
Version 0.3.0: N/A