Just a couple of thoughts.
To hamper the computer, presuming you have a good algorithm for guess():
- Have the computer select n words at random from its list. If none of these words fit the grill, it 'times out'.
- Add m misspelt words to the computer's list.
By adjusting m and n (down to zero and up to infinity, respectively, for 'expert' level), you can configure any number of levels.
Choice of dictionary:
- If the dictionary is too small, players will get fed up with the program refusing quite common words (including inflected forms, which seem to be allowed by the rules).
- If, on the other hand, it's too big*, there's a chance that it will too often choose extremely obscure words, again annoying the player.
Maybe use two wordlists, a fairly simple one from which the words to guess are selected, and a more comprehensive one to check for existence/spelling?
* The biggest English wordlist on my hard drive contains 278,468 entries. Here's an alphabetical sample:
bahut, bahuts, bahuvrihi, bahuvrihis, baidarka, baidarkas, baigan, baigans, baignet...
In reply to Re: Challenge: Designing A Computer Opponent by Not_a_Number
in thread Challenge: Designing A Computer Opponent by Limbic~Region
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