Evaluation function

An evaluation function - as heuristic evaluation function or static evaluation function is known - is a method of computer programs to recognize the quality of a situation in games.

The function is in most cases designed so that the computer can calculate quickly. Accuracy is often not required, and the function assessed not know how far the current situation is removed from the target, but only gives an assessment of the current situation. For this reason, the evaluation function is heuristic and static (A ) strategy.

In some other approaches, but also a more intelligent approach is followed (B ) strategy.

A concrete example are static evaluation function in chess programs. Here is to be determined at a given position, which player is at an advantage, and how big this advantage is.

Simplified evaluation functions can also be computed by human players - but this is not common. Computer programs often show the " score " of a game situation where negative values ​​and positive values ​​advantages disadvantages for a particular player mean.

• Computer Chess
• Game theory