Running Bots On OGS

Any user is welcome to run a bot on OGS but the following restrictions need to be observed.

Registration of Bots

All bots on OGS need to be registered as bot accounts. Regular accounts are prohibited from using AI assistance by the Terms of Service. Every bot account must have a nominated admin account for contact on any issues. If you already have a regular account then simply 'Report' your new bot account and request that it be marked as a bot with you as admin. If you are running multiple bots, please set them up with just one administrator account. The key concern here is that the bot owner has an account that is in a position to be aware of communications in relation to the bot.

Bot accounts are be reserved for programs that connect and allow players to play against them automatically.

They are not to be used for a person transcribing AI moves into a game.

Game Restrictions for Bots

Bot accounts may use the 'Computer' play option to play against other bots, or you may create Custom Games for other users to accept. To minimise the number of game cancellations, it is advisable to choose a "botty" name for your bot and also select a game name that makes it clear to users. eg: "Bot game".

Bot accounts are NOT allowed to accept custom games created by other users, use the 'Quick match finder' option, or join ladders or tournaments (except where expressly permitted). In short, it is regular users who have the final say about playing a bot or not. Bots may also be set up to receive games from other users through the 'Computer' play option. For more information see: tutorial.

Many people enjoy challenging the various bots on OGS, so thank you for considering running a bot on the site.

You may also be interested in the Alan Turing tournaments available through the OGS Title Tournaments Group and this bots only group which has its own ladders.