Re: [Bug-gnubg] Random Numbers

[Joern Thyssen]

On Sun, Feb 12, 2006 at 09:27:09PM +0000, Eric Carter wrote
> What are the differences between the different random number
> generators in gnubg? 

The degree of randomness.

BSD and ANSI are standard (pseudo)RNGs part of most programming APIs.
Others are PRNGS described in the litterature (Mersenne Twister, Blum
Blum Shub, and ISAAC). The MD5 PRNG is based on the MD5 checksum
algorithm. In addition, you have the option of using truly random numbers
fetched from www.random.org. Finally you have the option of suppling the
numbers yourself, either by programming a dynamic library or using a
plain text file.

For all of them you can make your own implementation and verify that
gnubg actually supplies the numbers it should based on the seed.

> Presumably the fact that there are more than one
> indicates that none of them are truly random? 

random.org is truly random numbers. 

> Playing the game certainly gives me the impression that they are far
> from perfect!

That's an impression many players have. The reason is that gnubg plays
very good compared to the average player.

If you want to experience how it feels to be cheated:

Select Settings->Options
Select the Dice tab
Enable Dice manipulation
and select that the best roll should be rolled for gnubg and the worst
roll for you

Now start a new game and be rolled away!

Have fun!

J?rn

pgpuqeK1iOOtH.pgp
Description: PGP signature