Requirements for participation

1: Participation

1-1: Attending the UEC Cup

At least one of the developers is expected to show up to the competition site of the UEC Cup and operate the program. This is fairly a reasonable request because one of the purposes of the Cup is to produce a space for computer Go software developers to meet together and exchange information.

1-2: Bringing computers

Each competitor brings a computer to the competition hall, with a power cable to let it work and other accessories too. There is no limit on the computer. However, at the time of the application, you must report how many watts your computer uses. You need prior approval if it exceeds 1,000.

1-3: Using a remote host via the Internet

You are allowed to use a remote host if you agree to the following:

(i) The participant must show up the venue.
(ii) The participant must conduct the remote operation with self-responsibility.
(iii) Time loss due to the delay of communication time and other similar reasons are included in thinking time.
(iv) The UEC Cup Executive Committee shall not be responsible for the delay of communication time.


Anyone who wants to use a remote host must tell it in advance to the UEC Cup Executive Committee via registration form or email. We strongly recommend such a participant test the Internet connection on the day before the UEC Cup begins.

2: Programs

2-1: Categories of participation programs

[Category A]
Programs wanting to proceed to the final competition, and then to the Densei-sen competition (handicap game against a professional player).
[Category B]
Programs wanting to proceed to the final competition but not to the Densei-sen competition.
[Category C]
Programs participating only to the preliminary matches and not proceeding to the final competition.

2-2: Functions required to all programs

  1. (1) To display the win/lose result when a match ends with two consecutive passes.

  2. (2) To have the communication functions specified in Protocols.

  3. (3) To be able to change the time limit from 30 minutes to 20, 15, and 10 minutes.

Based on the above, you are allowed to participate in the following categories.

2-3: Participation to Category C

Programs must use a source code in their brain that is permitted to use (in this competition by its developer) and add an explicit unique contrivance. The participants, when making an application, must write details about the source code used and contrivance added.

2-4: Participation to Category B

Programs must have their original brain.

2-5: Functions required to programs participating to Category A

  1. (1) Programs must have their exclusive brain.

  2. (2) When a match ends with two consecutive passes, they must display both parties’ dead stones, territory, and the win/loss.

  3. (3) Programs must be able to appropriately deal with handicap games (by 1 to 6 stones).

  4. (4) Programs must be able to start counting down 25 seconds when the 30-minute time limit has run out.

  5. (5) Programs must be able to restart a game from any arbitrary position.

3: Playing a match

3-1: Playing through network

Games are played over a TCP/IP network. For the protocols, see the Protocols.

3-2: Programs without communication functions

If games over the network are impossible for a program, the player can manually input moves through an input program or other. In this case, the following conditions will be applied.
Players must input a move designated by the program. When it is found that a player has input a different move, he/she will lose the game immediately.
The time required to input moves is also timed.
In the case of an input mistake, time required to recover it is also timed.

3-3: Operating a computer during games

Operators must not give additional information to the computer or revise the program during a game.