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An Evolutionary Approach to Combinatorial Gameplaying Using Extended Classifier Systems

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Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Abstract

Extended classifier system (XCS) is an extension of a popular online rule-based machine learning technique, learning classifier system (LCS), in which a classifier’s fitness is based on its accuracy instead of the prediction itself, and a genetic algorithm (GA) and reinforcement learning (RL) component is utilized for exploratory and learning purposes, respectively. With the emergence of increasingly intricate rule-based learning techniques, there is a need to examine feasible methods of learning that can overcome the challenges posed by complex scenarios while supporting online performance. Checkers is a strategic, combinatorial game having a high branching factor and a complex state space that provides a promising avenue for scrutinizing novel approaches. This paper presents a preliminary investigation into feasibility of XCS in such complex avenues by taking 6 × 6 checkers as a specific case of study. The XCS agent was adapted to this problem, trained with random agent and was able to perform well against the alpha–beta pruning algorithm of various depths as well as human agents of different skill levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced).

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Oberoi, K., Tandon, S., Das, A., Aggarwal, S. (2021). An Evolutionary Approach to Combinatorial Gameplaying Using Extended Classifier Systems. In: Choudhary, A., Agrawal, A.P., Logeswaran, R., Unhelkar, B. (eds) Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering, vol 778. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-3067-5_54

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-3067-5_54

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  • Print ISBN: 978-981-16-3066-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-16-3067-5

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