What is "darkforest"

Darkforest is a computer go program developed by Facebook, based on deep learning techniques using a convolutional neural network. Its updated version Darkfores2 combines the techniques of its predecessor with Monte Carlo tree search. The MCTS effectively takes tree search methods commonly seen in computer chess programs and randomizes them. With the update, the system is known as Darkfmcts3.

Darkforest is of similar strength to programs like CrazyStone and Zen. It has not been tested an against professional human player, however, Google's AlphaGo program won against a professional player in October 2015 using a similar combination of techniques .

Darkforest is named after Liu Cixin's science fiction novel The Dark Forest.