Question: What is the best algorithm to solve the Tic-Tac-Toe problem?

Give its pseudo-code and explain why it is the best

algorithm.

Answer:

The "best" algorithm for solving the Tic-Tac-Toe problem depends on the specific context and goals. However, one of the most
popular and effective algorithms for playing Tic-Tac-Toe optimally is the Minimax algorithm with Alpha-Beta Pruning.

Minimax Algorithm with Alpha-Beta Pruning for Tic-Tac-Toe:

function evaluate(node):
# Check if the current game state results in a win for the player.
if is_winner(node, 'X'):
return 10 # Player X wins
elif is_winner(node, 'O'):
return -10 # Player O wins
elif is_board_full(node):
return 0 # It's a draw
else:
return 0 # No winner yet; return a neutral value

function alpha_beta_pruning(node, depth, alpha, beta, maximizingPlayer):

if game_over(node) or depth == 0:
return evaluate(node)

if maximizingPlayer:
max_eval = -infinity
for child in get_children(node):
eval = alpha_beta_pruning(child, depth - 1, alpha, beta, False)
max_eval = max(max_eval, eval)
alpha = max(alpha, eval)
if beta <= alpha:
break # Beta cut-off
return max_eval
else:
min_eval = infinity
for child in get_children(node):
eval = alpha_beta_pruning(child, depth - 1, alpha, beta, True)
min_eval = min(min_eval, eval)
beta = min(beta, eval)
if beta <= alpha:
break # Alpha cut-off
return min_eval

Explanation:

The Minimax algorithm with Alpha-Beta Pruning is a strong choice for solving the Tic-Tac-Toe problem for several reasons:

Optimality: It ensures optimal play by evaluating all possible moves and choosing the one that maximizes the player's
chances of winning or minimizing the opponent's chances.

Efficiency: Alpha-Beta Pruning significantly reduces the number of evaluated game states, making it efficient even for
complex games like Tic-Tac-Toe.

Pruning: Alpha-Beta Pruning eliminates the need to explore entire game trees, resulting in faster decision-making.