Humans to take on computers in ground-breaking poker challenge
The world’s first man versus machine poker challenge is set to be held in Canada, with the event’s organisers expecting a close contest.
Scientists at the University of Alberta have developed the Polaris, the most sophisticated poker-programme ever, after years of research, enabling it with the ability to read an opponent’s pattern of play and even with the ability to bluff.
Phil Laak and Ali Eslami are the human players to take on the machine in the two-day Texas hold’em tournament at the Hyatt regency hotel in Vancouver, with the prize pot to total £23,000.
“I won’t be able to read its face, but equally, the computer won’t know if I’m having a manic moment or if I’m starting to rush,” Mr Laak said.
“I can say out loud: ‘Computer, I’m going to bluff you now.’ But it’s a strong program.
“It’s going to memorize my betting patterns right away and my game is not perfect.”
While Dr Jonathan Schaffer, the lead scientist behind the project, believes that the humans should come out on top over the course of the 500 hands, the American Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence is confident that machines will one day gain the upper hand, though so far they have only produced an unbeatable draughts-playing program.