Optimization of the search algorithm and evaluation function based on program X+

The Game of the Amazons is a two-player territory game. It has attracted attentions in the research of computer game because of its simple rules and its complexity of play. In this paper, we construct and optimize an Amazons playing program X+, which is a new improvement on the search algorithm by using the game progress to modify search depths dynamically. In addition, a new evaluation factor is proposed and added to the evaluation function. After experimental verification, the improvements are proved to be effective, and have helped the program to win the second prize in the 2014 National Undergraduate Computer Games Competition.