Original Post
The CodeCup ( www.codecup.nl ) is an annual competition, where contestants have to build an intelligent player for the yearly game. It is organized by the Dutch National Olympiad in Informatics. Want to go head-first in AI? Try this competition! Although there is no large cash price, the competition is fierce and it's a very educating experience. Last year I participated and came in 8th, and this year I'm sure I'll participate again. This year's game is specially made for the contest, and called pillars. It is player on a 10x10 grid, which starts completely empty. Then, 10 pillars are quasi-randomly placed on the board (1 in each column and row). From then on, the players alternately fill an empty rectangle with their color. The player that fills in the last spot loses ( the first player unable to make a move wins ). I expect that for this year a combination of 'standard' game theory (minimax) and some special analysis will be needed, which are also skills that can be used in game programming. Special note for Dutch high-school students and teachers: the best Dutch high-school student or teacher wins a price of 250 euros, and by participating as a student you'll also join the Dutch National Olympiad in Informatics. Jelle