Smart-Game-Format

The Smart Game Format is a file format that can be recorded in the game histories of board games for two players. It is text-based and contains a tree structure that allows you to capture various game histories. The syntax is derived from the extended Backus -Naur Form. The file name extension is sgf.

Dissemination

The format has established itself primarily in implementations of the game Go as the de facto standard for the recording and distribution of games, which is why its abbreviation ( " SGF " ) is interpreted as " Smart - Go format ". However, it is also suitable for other games such as backgammon.

Development

The specification of the current version of FF was last extended in 2006. There are several projects that have or have had to develop the Smart Game Format goal. For example, a version of FF is planned of the format, is at the moment but not actively working. With XGF was planned to introduce an XML-based syntax, even here there is no development since 2002.

Inventor of the format is Anders Kierulf.

Software

There are numerous programs which create SGF files and can be edited. Many of them also serve as a client for one or more of the available Go- server through which to play against human opponents and programmed, so-called bots, via the Internet is possible. Thus, for the example with CGoban, the client software for the KGS Go server, export all played themselves or by others games as SGF, so they can be analyzed and commented in retrospect. Also, tournaments are often transferred to Go servers or even played on them.

Some programs also master pattern recognition algorithms that are used to search for similarities between game situations. For example EidoGo offers a web-based SGF editor, with a library of games for similarities to own by SGF uploaded to the server game situations can be searched.