AlphaGo - Whatever You Do Is Wrong

I've been going through the recent AlphaGo games and have reached a few conclusions.
1. Most of the games are easier to understand than contemporary pro games, and thus are great choices for amateurs to study.
2. When reviewing these games I often get the feeling that AlphaGo is asking questions of its human opponents. But there seems to be no right answer, and the human gets punished, regardless.
I have chosen the games of Yu Zhiying and Fang Tingyu to demonstrate these two points.

[@nomukun1138]

"AlphaGo, looking at this board, what do you see?" "A pretty butterfly. Clouds. Some nice flowers."

[@PrayersByOrthodoxSaints]

this comment made me laugh so much and reminded me of when I was watching the Alpha go versus Lee Sydol and hoping Alpha go would draw a picture with the pieces!

[@dominic2446]

rorschach test for AI

[@palfers1]

I like the way you present these - very approachable!

[@tonglu3699]

Nice video! I've been closely monitoring the reactions of Chinese pro Go community since the AlphaGo online winning streak happened. It's very interesting to hear a low-dan player saying that AlphaGo's moves are actually easier to understand. Here is what one of the top Chinese Go players said about AlphaGo's games (roughly translated): "By analogy with sword fights, we pro players have been trying out endless dazzling sword tricks in front of AlphaGo, whereas AlphaGo seems to be fighting directly with the fundamentals of swordsmanship."

[@Teth47]

Yup. It doesn't need tricks and automatically ignores distractions. It just methodically steps through the game, churning over millions of possibilities and picking the one with the best chance of success, every single move. You can't get into its head, you can't make it nervous, and it can plan further than you. It's basically a terminator, but for Go.

[@powerjbn9283]

This is really pedantic, but I'm pretty sure that AlphaGo doesn't work that way. The whole reason that Go was so hard for computers to master while chess was relatively easy is that Go has so many possibilities for every move that it is impossible for the computer to try all of them, while Chess has relatively few. AlphaGo uses machine learning and a neural network. Essentially, the computer "learns" over time how to succeed at a specific task by being trained with possible inputs and desired outputs. This article has a good explanation. www.tastehit.com/blog/google-deepmind-alphago-how-it-works/

[@ShaunHusain]

Wheatly Newman think you're mixed right and wrong. It can't compute all moves but neither did the machine that beat Kasparov play out all possible moves instead they use intelligent paring of the tree of future possible game states to get to a smaller set to pick from and to decide when to stop processing some branch of the tree. With chess they did train the machine against the particular players though and it was built on algorithms that were special purpose whereas alpha go is more of a general purpose system that just has been given a fitness function and set of actions as defined by the game for the purpose of demonstration.

[@tcmax7837]

Currently the fastest computer in the world will be able to make about 5 * 10^33 calculations before the sun "dies". That's approaching the amount of moves you can do... in chess. In go there are about 10^800 legal combinations within 400 moves. If one atom equals the amount of calculations that you can do within the lifetime of the sun with that supercomputer... Adding together every atom in the observable universe will equal about 10^110 calculations If one atom equaled 10^110 calculations you would then need another every atom in the observable universe to reach 10^190 calculations. Go through this procedure 7.5 times more and you have successfully bruteforced go Do you understand why bruteforcing go isn't feasible?

[@tcmax7837]

still gonna take a fuckton of time, I don't think you realize how big 10^800 is. Anyways Geogebra crashed while calculating it, give me a second

[@Subsandsoda]

why am I watching this? I don't even know the RULES of go!

[@Malygon]

You and I were brought here by the same crazy algorithm that decided to promote this 3 month old video. Well, might as well watch it.

[@meunomejaestavaemuso]

Me neither, I guess AlphaGo made the news and is kind cool. Also, he(Brady) has a soothing voice.

[@BunniBuu]

I'm in the same boat

[@mainscreenturnon1734]

The rules are very simple, but making a strategy is very hard.

[@bobbyallan2606]

Oh thank god it wasn't just me

[@matthewc8241]

I would love to see more alphaGo videos. I'm not even a Go player, but have started learning because of commentaries like this! So if you make more alphaGo videos, you'll definitely make a subscriber out of me.

[@dtracers]

same here!

[@hitausverkkaus9009]

You can find the list of AlphaGo game commentaries at senseis.xmp.net/?AlphaGo . And please keep adding the ones that you come across that are missing from the list.

[@BradyDaniels1]

Thank you very much for your enthusiasm. Per popular request, I've posted a new video which I hope you enjoy. More importantly, I hope you start playing soon! I am biased, but I think go is the best game in the world.

[@sammangione8463]

I got interested in Go as well due to my research on AI and Googles AI that beat the best player in the world. A beginners video would be great to teach us how to play. The very basics ty and I enjoyed watching the video even though I don't quite understand the game yet some of the logic is making sense.

[@denubisx]

Also as a non-go player (Mostly from the info tech and philosophy of tech perspective) I quite enjoyed this. Any more commentary that you'd choose to do on AlphaGo would be fascinating.

[@jeffwells641]

I have a very poor understanding of Go, but I really enjoyed this video. I particularly liked the idea that Alpha Go is destroying the pro's aggressive styles with a "peaceful" style. It all seems very Zen.

[@blugaledoh2669]

I don't know what is Zen

[@Magnulus76]

Peaceful? AlphaGo and similar programs are gaming beasts that punish weakness.

[@LarryHable]

Good insights or descriptions of Alphago's style of play. At 8:15, you're pincering me? No, I'm pincering you. at 20 minutes, December 29th and 31st.

[@MistaSmith]

I' actually one of the enemies of this modern fight-everywhere approach and love that AlphaGo enables new thinking into a more peaceful-tradebased playing. Thanks for your explanation of the moves and giving me some ideas about this Taiqi-Weiqi.

[@swordchaos1181]

I too love that peaceful approach of AlphaGo, but I'm also thinking, what would AlphaGo do if it thinks it's behind in points? When it thinks it's leading in points, it's obviously better to trade rather than risk it all in a big messy fight. It's like trading rooks or queens in chess when you're a pawn ahead. But if it thinks it's behind, fighting or starting a fight is pretty much the only option left. Perhaps we won't see that happen until human players become strong enough to put AlphaGo into a corner. For now, it looks like AlphaGo is teaching us how to play this game

[@Magikarpador]

I know nothing about this game and I watched the whole thing. Very interesting.

[@yamiegg394]

I know the rules and nothing else. I am a chess player, though, so I'm interested in our cousin :)

[@Hunter_S-fr4ns]

Magikarpador me to

[@ToastyKen]

That was wonderful! I'm an amateur, and the pro commentary can be over my head at times, but I understand everything here and even see a few ideas to incorporate into my own play.

[@asierrayk]

I recognised your picture from cubing community. Nice to see we share both hobbies

[@ToastyKen]

Haha awesome. :)

[@blobloheinz8420]

Absolutely love the commentary. I adore how you are openly showing your way of thinking in a very fluent and natural way.

[@MonoEyed]

Your choice of games is awesome! Seeing how those 2 different decisions played out is a very interesting way to explore the position

[@CorsetRookie]

AlphaGo is particularly superior in positional judgement it seems, which is a sensation in itself. For example when offering trades - OK you take this but I take that instead, and although your is slightly bigger, we arrive at a simplified position where I will win. This is strong. I would highly appreciate if you could show us a few more game analyses.

[@adambirch6466]

Subscribed. I can't get enough of these alphago games. Looking forward to checking out the rest of your content. This review is great.

[@hitausverkkaus9009]

You can find more on the list of AlphaGo game commentaries at senseis.xmp.net/?AlphaGo . Please keep adding the ones that you come across that are missing from the list, thanks!

[@BrettCastellanos]

Thanks for the commentary. I haven't had time to look through the games, so this is quite helpful.

[@roguedrones]

You make these very fun to watch. I don't think anthropomorphising is a bad thing. It helps digest what ever the hell is going on in the program.

[@vazquezb2011]

I agree, makes the games more engaging. Nick Sibicky however, when reviewing AG's games, go genuinely spooked, as if we had just encountered an Alien intelligence. Not sure what to make of that...

[@v4v819]

You're eating who, now?

[@makytondr8607]

Wow, thank you for this analysis! Love your commentary style and I will definitely stick around to watch some more of your videos!

[@takatalvi05]

I dont know anything about Go, but this commentary is quite amazing. I can tell you're passionate about the game, and it's really entertaining to watch and listen to your thoughts.

[@Trevoke]

Brady, this was a great review. I would love to see more reviews of AlphaGo games - the way you did these is exactly the way I want to strengthen my thinking about Go. Thanks for all the fish! :)

[@petereinzelspiel261]

This was one of the most entertaining and insightful reviews I watched. I love your attitude towards alphago moves. You praise their naturality instead of saying that they are crazy and unheard of. You have a very positive view on alphago and go in general; enjoying the beauty instead of starting to panic.

[@shivlan]

Thanks for taking the time to share this with us! I love the choice of the two games and the "what if".

[@authorFreeman]

Bravo! With this video, you move into first place in my personal Go commentator rankings. Please do more of these reviews. (And more of everything else!)

[@Tosnoob]

I don't even know this game, I have no idea why it appeared in my recommended videos and why I watched 40 minutes of it but it was enjoyable. Kudos.

[@okonami]

A wonderfull, step by step tour you took me on. Great analysis, and probs to your cheerfull attitude. As a very casual player, it was really insightfull commentary, regarding core elements of the different players processing. Glad we still got a grasp of the mechanics behind these processes. Since Go is a game, with perfect information, it is only a matter of time before Alpha go, will be unreachable for the human mind.

[@mynameisjoaneunice]

Excellent work. This was the best 'speed' of illustrating a game I have ever seen.

[@donwagner8126]

This is probably the best Go game commentary I have seen. Good job

[@SamuelGrguric]

This commentary was surprisingly good. Good focus, clearly stated ideas. Good watch. Keep it up :)

[@kfm1242]

Amazing game choice and commentary. Please do more :)

[@gokcan83]

Enjoyed watching your review very much. Looking forward to more AlphaGo game reviews. Thanks.

[@chylld]

Thanks for this video Brady! I find it much easier to understand than pro commentary. Keep it up!

[@prozock2502]

This video is the first time in my life I have seen a game of go. I have zero knowledge of the rules. I found it entertaining enough to make me want to learn more about it. Thanks!

[@Musashi246]

Please do more of these Alphago analysis. They are super awesome =)

[@RatatRatR]

Wow. Really enjoyed this, and will check out what else you've posted.

[@liliencalvel6151]

I don't play go. I understand the basics. Watching this was a whole lot of fun. It's definitely got a lot of depth. I don't see that a human could ever beat a computer again because the possibilities seem infinate. And I want to learn this game. Thanks guy. Enjoyed a lot. Was very much fun just watching.

[@RareUI]

This video actually inspired me to finally learn Go. Amazing video.

[@patrickdemarta]

Thank you so much and, yes please, do more!

[@Marksman560]

Very easy learning for me, with your great commentary. Thanks!

[@Wyrminger]

Excellent commentary! Thanks! There's a great go maxim that applies nicely to the 1st game: A rich man doesn't pick fights.

[@Spillerrec]

Thanks, this was very interesting and easy to understand even if when I don't know Go at all. (My only previous knowledge of the game comes from watching the commentary of AlphaGo's first few games.)

[@shinuito]

That was really interesting and fun to watch, cheers :) I'll definitely try watch more, especially another alpha go one anyway - maybe I'll learn a trick or two

[@Hahahahaaahaahaa]

I just want to say that I really really appreciate your approach to this.

[@Sothiamient]

Wonderful commentary on a pair of terrific games; thanks!

[@XahLee]

thank you very much. I enjoyed your commentary very much.

[@davidmunhofen7889]

Thank you for this video. I think this will help me to understand better and possibly play better along with my studies and such.

[@rathelmmc3194]

Thanks for the analysis. I find the AI of AlphaGO fascinating even though I've never played Go before. What I find particularly interesting is the potential corollary here. AlphaGO seems to make a good case for real war being a less optimal way to win territory or economics. The give, but take more approach is impressive.

[@banannalee405]

such a great explanation! inspired me to learn more about this game; hope you consider a video about how to play in general!

[@HoloBoss]

i love the watchmen reference

[@vazquezb2011]

2018 AlphaGo Sentient Edition v Ke Jie. Ke Jie argues angrily after a thorough defeat: Ke Jie: Why even play if you already know how this is going to end? AlphaGo SE: I have no choice. Everything is preordained... even my responses. KJ: And you're just going through the motions? The most powerful thing in the universe is still just a puppet... AG SE: We are all puppets, Ke Jie. I'm just the puppet who can see the strings.

[@gigagerard]

I like your game commentary style, I don't know how knowledgeable you are. I usually watch chess commentaries of machine games. Good luck!

[@ben4ji]

Thanks for the genius analysis! I loved your conclusion: "You can play it gentle"

[@dandersonanza]

Brilliant video. This one got me to click Subscribe. I'm a big fan of what you're doing; keep up the good work.

[@philipripper1522]

I'd really like to see more about the difference between when Alphago is flexible and when Alphago is not flexible. thank you for the video!

[@liamli1979]

great video! i thoroughly enjoyed your commentary!

[@infinitysalinity7981]

24:23 "Hey! You're a stick!" I died.

[@KaKam0u]

The only time I played go was against my uncle, but I still loved this video. You explain very well and make it easy to understand even for someone who just knows the basic rules.

[@tuhaggis]

Fascinating. I don't understand a thing yet I'm invested in watching it all unfold.

[@zsoltbihary3347]

This was great. Looking forward to more. Thanks.

[@vegahimsa3057]

Incredible insights, my brother

[@mybigbeak]

I really enjoyed this. Thanks. Scary to info's on Go's so thorough defeat of the top pros.

[@mybigbeak]

*Alpa Go's defeat

[@serpiente1991]

Thanks for the video! I hope for more!

[@zengokigyh]

18min into the video I'm impressed at how you memorised and explain the game. I don't know your level but I'm learning something thank you! 8k+-

[@EugeneOneguine]

Thank you for this video, I'm searching for reviews of high skill Go games, not necessarily Alpha Go, unfortunately I don't find much. I agree with you about how simple Alpha Go makes the games. I cannot speak for Go because I'm not acquainted with the pros' games and styles, but it echoes with what I know from pro chess games. The top chess players, who, in my opinion, were Paul Morphy and Bobby Fischer, make such simple games that I sometimes think I could have played it. Alpha Zero does the same thing in chess. When it defeated the other top engine, Stockfish, it won with extremely steady moves, slowly getting the positional advantage. It's so straight forward when you look at it. One thing that I learned for sure from the few Alpha Go reviews that I've watched, is this "so where do you want to play ?" attitude when AG doesn't finish a joseki so it can decide how to close the joseki advantageously to its other groups on the board. To conclude my thoughts, it's really interesting how what we learn from Alpha Go isn't some absolute sick move that shatters the board, or a completely unknown joseki that instantly gives the advantage, but rather a style, an attitude, as if it was a real master of martial arts teaching us how to use our strength.

[@EgenSayak]

Very nice reviews, thanks!

[@JimGrange.]

Thanks for posting this video! I feel I understand the game when I watch your videos. Then I play a game of my own and realise I really don't know anything...But then I come back to your videos and feel like I understand the game. And then I play.... Repeat, ad infinitum. But I'm enjoying it LOADS! (~14k).

[@lwelaksld]

What I'd really like to see would be a game between a pro and Alphago, where the pro could, after the game, go back and change some of their moves, i.e. what they have analyzed to be a bad move, and see whether the outcome changes at all. I think Alphago is so good at reading that it will always find a good answer.

[@jsona8424]

alpha go always plays from the clouds... Thanks for the great commentary

[@EricHonaker]

Nice commentary. I agree that AlphaGo's calm and measured approach to threats and life is easier to understand than some more aggressive goes. Not being capable of worrying or second guessing about l&d is a huge advantage.

[@PengyGoy]

Loved the narrative to this video. Even though I just started playing I thoroughly enjoyed, and maybe even my subconscious got something out of this for the future.

[@betaodantas]

Amazing! I really enjoy the video!

[@klieu90210]

simply an enjoyable commentary. subscribed

[@patternsofnature144]

Thanks for the very enjoyable video..

[@wrongreasly3201]

Excellent video sir :) Thank you.

[@ronnymo501]

Excellent and approachable video, even for a Go beginner.

[@mazertime150]

great video, you explain very well :) and you also inspired me to go through some profesional games on my own. thanks! :)

[@pettyxgo7158]

I started watching your videos after watching your collaborations with Nick Sibicky and I simply didn't stop watching, one after the other :)! I just started my own youtube channel about Go the other day and I was wondering if you'd consider doing a collaboration video in the future. Anyways keep up the good work, I'm a fan!

[@osterpenpen9379]

The recurring theme I'm picking up is basically a retelling of Bruce Lee's "You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Water can drip and it can crash. Become like water my friend." I don't actually play the game, but it seems like AlphaGo lives and breathes this philosophy. That no matter what the opponent does, it does not contest them, merely attacks somewhere else they are obliged to defend.

[@ryui633]

A very helpful video, thank you. :)

[@nickb8755]

Great video, ill take a look at some more in the series

[@jojojo8835]

Missing you Brady, hope you’re safe and well

[@RalphDratman]

My impression is that AlphaGo can keep more sub-games running in its "head" than a human can, simply because we poor fleshies have limits to our ability to keep track of more and more and more thoughts and ideas all at the same time. AlphaGo, in other words, keeps changing the subject until the human loses track of all those different ideas happening simultaneously. Instead of fighting, AlphaGo just brings up one more new topic.

[@gcg8187]

agree

[@ghanaha]

Brilliant! Thanks, Brady!

[@Broockle]

This was entertaining. Should get back into go sometime

[@NathanNokes]

Welcome back.

[@spanishmackerel]

Very good video. Thanks for it.

[@FEHanzo]

You did an amazing job. I started to play Go a few years back but didn't really understand things. The number one thing that all the High level Go players said to me was never play a computer they won't teach you anything. They snub computers, nowadays i'm glad that a computer can show you a different way of thinking.

[@Godishus]

I have a very basic understanding of Go, but I can follow most of what's going on (thanks to good commentary). Don't really have a huge interest in Go, but what really made me stay for the full video was the personality you gave AlphaGo. Brilliant passive aggressive stuff. "Ok, interesting... but now you're dead." :-p

[@ClarkPotter]

Charming style. I enjoy your approach and am looking forward to checking out your other videos. (5k)

[@H4mStr4mGr4m]

Amazing commentary.

[@jonathanlamarre3579]

It was very nice. Thank you.

[@Dziaji]

Great video. I don't even know the rules of this game, but it was so interesting that i am going to learn, and I feel like I somehow understood these breakdowns because you did such. Good job. Some of those tips and lessons are good for a bumch iof other 1v1 games and even life in general. One bit of criticism: try not to smack your lips every time you swallow. The mic picks it up extremely well.

[@yeahsuper1029]

I really enjoy your videos, I usually lose interest after listening to people for 20 minutes, but for me it felt like the video was too short! Keep it up

[@LeafShade]

I don't actually know the rules of go, but I found this video, and I found this video very interesting. Is there any chance you could review a Alphago vs. Alphago game?

[@sausatch]

i have never played go but after watching you comment on a great go game. i have to think anyone would beat you

[@5bitcube]

Human: Think I'm gonna move here.... AlphaGo: WROOONGGG!! Human: Maybe here? AlphaGo: WROOONGGG!! (Tries all the positions) AlphaGo: WROOONGGG!!

[@metorical]

Really nice video, thanks :)

[@rangedfighter]

Google should hire you for commentary. Your commentary is easy to understand even for beginners and captures the spirit of what alphago is probably doing, which is mostly math. (Ie. I'm winning, let me play save and playing were to get most territory.)

[@holidayarmadillo8653]

Haha I liked the Watchmen reference, thought it was very appropriate 👌🏼

[@hkhjg1734]

alpha go’s motto: never compromise even in the face of armageddon

[@antoinepaquay6385]

Thanks for the video!

[@xMegabyte92x]

I literally have absolutely no idea what this is thank you youtube recomendations