Hand of god

[yagami15my15]

does anyopne have any idea wat hand of god mean? is it a move that is invincible?

[newage]

Question: What exactly is meant by "the hand of god"? Is it something that real players think about? Was it just invented for the series?

--adamzero

Answer 1: (Regyt) As far as I can tell, it's the perfect move. According to combinatorial game theory, for every two player game of perfect knowledge (games where you know everything your opponent knows, with no random chance and no hidden cards), there is a series of moves that will guarantee the win[1]. The perfect series of moves[2]. [3]

It could also just mean divine strength. I read an article somewhere in which a bunch of Go professionals were asked how many stones God would have to give to a professional 9-dan in order to have a fair and fun game. The answer they came up with was that God would need to give the 9p a three stone handicap. To achieve the hand of god, then, is to not need that handicap, in such a situation.

[1]: Actually, that's not necessarily true! Take tic-tac-toe for example: perfect play will only get you a draw there. There are also games in which the second player will win.

However, in Go, you have pass moves which ensure that Black doesn't lose in an even game without komi. If all moves would lead to a loss for Black, he would pass on his first move, and put White in the same position - thereby ensuring a draw (remember: no komi!). (Jan)

http://senseis.xmp.net/?HikaruNoGoQuestionsAndAnswers

[teqila]

Originally Posted by newage

Question: What exactly is meant by "the hand of god"? Is it something that real players think about? Was it just invented for the series?

--adamzero

Answer 1: (Regyt) As far as I can tell, it's the perfect move. According to combinatorial game theory, for every two player game of perfect knowledge (games where you know everything your opponent knows, with no random chance and no hidden cards), there is a series of moves that will guarantee the win[1]. The perfect series of moves[2]. [3]

It could also just mean divine strength. I read an article somewhere in which a bunch of Go professionals were asked how many stones God would have to give to a professional 9-dan in order to have a fair and fun game. The answer they came up with was that God would need to give the 9p a three stone handicap. To achieve the hand of god, then, is to not need that handicap, in such a situation.

[1]: Actually, that's not necessarily true! Take tic-tac-toe for example: perfect play will only get you a draw there. There are also games in which the second player will win.

However, in Go, you have pass moves which ensure that Black doesn't lose in an even game without komi. If all moves would lead to a loss for Black, he would pass on his first move, and put White in the same position - thereby ensuring a draw (remember: no komi!). (Jan)

http://senseis.xmp.net/?HikaruNoGoQuestionsAndAnswers

I somehow agree with what u wriiten.. It is the perfect move and other than that i'm not very sure..

[yagami15my15]

but then how do u define perfect move since every need a good move to win?

[yagami15my15]

so is it a subjective thingie?

[yagami15my15]

is there really such a move in real life?

[qawsed]

i personally think that it is a move in the game that will let u win the game for sure... and to let ur opponent admit defeat because they figure u are out of their league

[kanjisasahara]

i believe the hand of god is the perfect move or the perfect set of moves that which the opponenet cant do anything to defend or attack against.

[spirited_soul]

I see it as the perfect move which decides the game and for which there is just no answer or defense.

[Dreamension]

Maybe it shouldn't be seen as a move so much but as insight O_o Like the point where you can completely see through the game and you can't lose anymore...