Libratus: The Unbeatable AI System
What is Libratus?
Libratus is an artificial intelligence (AI) system that was developed by a team of researchers at Carnegie Mellon University. It was designed to play poker, specifically no-limit Texas hold'em, against human opponents.
How does it work?
Libratus uses several different types of algorithms to make decisions during poker games. It begins by analyzing the game tree, looking at all possible outcomes and assigning probabilities to each one. Then it uses a technique called counterfactual regret minimization (CFR) to determine the best strategy to use in each situation. This allows Libratus to learn and improve as it plays.
How was it tested?
To test Libratus, it was pitted against four of the world's best poker players in a tournament that lasted 20 days and involved 120,000 hands. The players, who were not allowed to communicate with each other during the tournament, had to play against the AI system for 10 hours a day.
What were the results?
Libratus proved to be an unbeatable opponent, winning the tournament by a wide margin. It was estimated that the AI system would have won more than $1.7 million over the course of the tournament if it had been playing for real money. Not only did Libratus win, but it also revealed strategies and tactics that had never been seen before in the game of poker.
What are the implications of Libratus's success?
Libratus's success has far-reaching implications beyond the world of poker. It shows that AI systems can be designed to perform well in complex, strategic environments where there are many variables to consider. This could have applications in fields such as military planning, finance, and cybersecurity. It also raises ethical questions about the role of AI in decision-making and the impact it could have on human employment.
