From e7e8ae8c3d77687eb7af7b9cab321b72fdc7b9d0 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: medusa <newton214@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 27 May 2024 18:26:29 +0000
Subject: [PATCH] Add random/battleship_ strategy.md

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+### Scientific Strategy for Winning Battleship
+
+The game of Battleship blends strategy and luck, but using scientifically backed tactics can enhance your chances of winning. Here's a comprehensive guide to employing effective strategies, complete with detailed actions for each step.
+
+### 1. Initial Targeting Strategy
+
+#### Checkerboard Pattern
+
+**Concept:** Ships occupy at least two consecutive spaces. A checkerboard pattern covers the board efficiently, ensuring you do not miss potential ship locations.
+
+**Actions:**
+1. Visualize the board as an 8x8 grid.
+2. Start by targeting every other cell, similar to a checkerboard.
+   - For instance:
+     ```
+     A1, A3, A5, A7
+     B2, B4, B6, B8
+     C1, C3, C5, C7
+     D2, D4, D6, D8
+     E1, E3, E5, E7
+     F2, F4, F6, F8
+     G1, G3, G5, G7
+     H2, H4, H6, H8
+     ```
+
+### 2. Probability Density
+
+#### Heatmap Strategy
+
+**Concept:** Identify the most likely locations of enemy ships using a probability heatmap.
+
+**Actions:**
+1. Create a grid with each cell representing the probability of containing a ship.
+2. Assign initial probabilities based on ship lengths and their possible placements.
+3. After each hit or miss, update the probabilities.
+   - If a hit occurs at B4, increase the probability of adjacent cells (B3, B5, A4, C4).
+
+### 3. Hunt/Target Mode
+
+#### Hunt Mode
+
+**Concept:** Use the checkerboard pattern to search for ships.
+
+**Actions:**
+1. Follow the checkerboard pattern until you get a hit.
+2. Skip cells to ensure even coverage.
+
+#### Target Mode
+
+**Concept:** Once a ship is hit, focus on sinking it by targeting adjacent cells.
+
+**Actions:**
+1. Once you hit a ship (e.g., D5):
+   - Target the surrounding cells: C5, E5, D4, D6.
+2. Continue targeting around the hit area until the ship is sunk.
+
+### 4. Adapting Based on Hits
+
+#### Parity Principle
+
+**Concept:** Maintain the parity (even or odd) of your hits to optimize the search.
+
+**Actions:**
+1. If you hit an even cell (e.g., C6), focus on even cells around it.
+   - Target C4, C8, A6, E6.
+2. Similarly, if the hit is on an odd cell, target surrounding odd cells.
+
+### 5. Pattern Avoidance
+
+#### Avoid Predictable Patterns
+
+**Concept:** Randomize your shots within the checkerboard pattern to avoid being predictable.
+
+**Actions:**
+1. Occasionally break the pattern and target random cells within the board.
+2. Ensure the randomization still adheres to the checkerboard logic.
+
+### 6. Analytical Adjustments
+
+#### Bayesian Inference
+
+**Concept:** Update your probability estimates using Bayesian inference based on hits and misses.
+
+**Actions:**
+1. After each shot, recalculate the probabilities of each cell containing a ship.
+2. Use previous data (hits/misses) to inform your next shot.
+
+### 7. Endgame Strategy
+
+#### Focus on Remaining Ships
+
+**Concept:** Adjust your strategy to target potential locations of the remaining ships.
+
+**Actions:**
+1. As you sink more ships, identify the most probable locations for the remaining ones.
+2. Consider ship sizes and available space on the board.
+3. If only large ships remain, focus on larger open areas.
+
+### Practical Implementation Example:
+
+#### Step-by-Step Playthrough
+
+1. **Start with the checkerboard pattern:**
+   - Target A1, A3, A5, A7, B2, B4, B6, B8, etc.
+
+2. **Switch to Target Mode after a hit:**
+   - If you hit at B4, target B3, B5, A4, C4.
+   - Suppose B5 is another hit, continue with B6, B7 until the ship is sunk.
+
+3. **Update Probabilities:**
+   - After sinking a ship, update your heatmap.
+   - Focus on cells with higher probabilities based on the remaining ships.
+
+4. **Randomize within the checkerboard pattern:**
+   - Occasionally target a random cell (e.g., D3) to throw off your opponent.
+
+5. **Endgame Focus:**
+   - With only a battleship (4 cells) and a destroyer (3 cells) left, target larger open areas.
+
+### Summary
+
+By combining these strategies, you can systematically improve your gameplay in Battleship. Employing a checkerboard pattern, using probability density, switching between hunt and target modes, adapting based on hits, avoiding predictable patterns, using Bayesian inference, and focusing on endgame tactics will give you a significant advantage over your opponent.
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