Re: [gnugo-devel] avoid .sgf problem

[Paul Pogonyshev]

Arend wrote:

> We have a .sgf-problem:
> 
> Handicap stones should be set up with AB[]. If gnugo detects a game with
> handicap, but no AB[]'s, it adds them (after the first move).

It should not, agreed.

> KGS uses B[] instead of AB[] in case of free handicap placement. This may
> not be according to the letter of the sgf-specification, but I think it is
> correct according to its spirit -- AB[] is for preset stones (starting 
> position
> of a problem, handicap stones), B[] is for moves that are an actual decision
> by one of the players.
> 
> In fact, it seems to me that the text in the description of the HA[]
> property was only thinking about fixed handicap.

Here I don't agree.  I read the specification and I clearly remember that
it said something like "HA[] doesn't mandate handicap stones placement"
i.e. HA[9] doesn't mean 9 stones at hoshi points.  KGS is doing bad job
actually.

> I suggest to avoid this issue by only manually adding the handicap stones
> if we detect a _white_ move on the empty board in a handicap game.

If I were you, I'd remove this special case completely.

Paul