SOLVED GAME Meaning and
Definition
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A solved game refers to a scenario in game theory where the optimal strategy or outcome for a particular game can be determined in advance. It is a term used to describe a game with complete and definitive information, where the best course of action can be precisely prescribed, leading to an inevitable outcome.
In a solved game, every possible move by each player is thoroughly analyzed, and the winner can be predicted with certainty. This determination is made possible by applying mathematical and computational methods to the game's rules, the available information, and the potential outcomes. Various algorithms, such as minimax or alpha-beta pruning, are employed to explore the entire game tree and identify the best moves at each stage.
Once a game is considered solved, players no longer require skill, intuition, or strategic thinking to achieve the most favorable outcome. Optimal moves become well-defined and the game becomes computationally deterministic. Chess, for instance, is not currently solved, as the number of possible moves is astronomical, rendering it impractical to explore every possibility. However, simpler games like Tic-Tac-Toe, Connect Four, or Checkers have been solved due to their lower complexity.
Although solved games have limited practical relevance in most real-life strategic scenarios, they provide valuable theoretical insights into the nature of games, decision-making, and computation. The concept of solved games forms a cornerstone in the study of game theory and computational intelligence, allowing researchers to delve into more complex problems, design better algorithms, and understand the boundaries of strategic decision-making.
Etymology of SOLVED GAME
The word "solved game" derives from two primary terms: "solve" and "game".
The term "solve" originated from the Latin word "solvere", which means "to loosen, untie, or release". Over time, "solve" evolved to mean "to find a solution to" or "to find an answer or explanation for". In the context of games, "solve" refers to finding an optimal strategy or determining the outcome of the game under perfect play.
The word "game" has a complex etymology, but it can be traced back to the Old English word "gamen", which means "joy, sport, or amusement". It further evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "gaumaz", meaning "joy" or "mirth".
