This new computer algorithm may be 'unbeatable' at poker

Scientists have recently developed a new computer program that is said to be unbeatable at poker, it has been reported.

The program developed by the Computer Research Poker Group at the University of Alberta in Canada has been named Cepheus, henceforth to be known as "Ceph the Unbeatable," the Independent reported.

While researchers have previously developed "unbeatable" algorithms for games such as chess or draughts, this is the first time that scientists have "solved" a game in which some information (i.e. the cards in the opponent's hand) remains hidden from the player.

The system that enabled Cepheus to solve poker also has applications in other fields, such as medicine and security. A research group at the University of Southern California has been using a similar technique to develop a system for deploying air marshals on flights and coastguard patrols at ports.

In the same way that Cepheus found a way of not being beaten at poker, the USC project was aimed at devising policies that cannot be exploited by any adversaries. Which means that exploits of a poker-playing robot could one day be contributing to the fight against terrorism.