Python 3 implementation of ISMCTS for the game of simplified Knockout Whist.
Based on Python 2.7 version from https://www.aifactory.co.uk/newsletter/2013_01_reduce_burden.htm
Compared with random move agent over 100 games.
100 iterations vs random move = 58 : 42
1000 iterations vs random move = 67 : 33
2000 iterations vs random move = 65 : 35
from https://www.pagat.com/whist/kowhist.html
Two to seven players may play. From lowest to highest, the ranks are 2, .., 10, J, Q, K, A
In the first round, each player is dealt seven cards then a trump suit is determine by the next card in the deck.
Player 1 goes first to play a card, followed by player 2, 3, and so on. Until everyone has played one card, this is one trick.
Each player must play a card with the same suit as the first card, otherwise they may play any card. Each trick is won by the highest trump, otherwise by the highest card of the first suit.
The player that wins the trick, will start the next trick.
Once all cards are played, the players that did not win any tricks in the round are knocked out. Then the remaining players are dealt six cards in the next round. Each subsequent round will have one less card.
The last player remaining is the winner.
Note: in the actual game, the player with the most tricks in the current round decides the trump suit of the next round and there is an additional "dog's life" condition