Amazon Chess Based on UCT-PVS Hybrid Algorithm

Amazon Chess is a game with complexity between Go and Chinese Chess. Its complexity is mainly due to its extremely large branching factor, which makes it difficult to reach a high depth in the search process. This paper adopts the hybrid search algorithm combines with Upper Confidence bounds Trees search algorithm (UCT) and Principal Variation Search (PVS), which is called UCT-PVS hybrid search algorithm. The UCT algorithm is used at the opening stage to enable the game player to obtain a more advantageous opening. The PVS combines with Historical Heuristics and Transposition Table, by reducing the pruning window, the pruning efficiency is effectively increased and greatly improves the search depth. The Amazon Chess software is developed by using this technology and is effectively improved its game level.