= Cold game
In <combinatorial game theory>, a <cold game> is a position with no gain from taking the next move, as illustrated by <number games>. For $G=\{0\mid1\}=1/2$, Left can only lower the value to zero, while Right can only raise it to one; either player would prefer to leave the position untouched if another component offered a useful move.
This contrasts with a hot position such as $\{1\mid-1\}$, where either player benefits from moving first. The distinction matters when choosing which component of a <disjunctive sum> to play. Exact definitions at zero <temperature> depend on the adopted cooling convention; a cold numerical component need not be a <losing position> by itself.
Back to article page
