Why it matters

Negamax simplifies game search code. Understanding shapes chess engines.

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The architecture

value = max over moves of -search(child, -beta, -alpha).

Bounds negated on recursion.

Negamax structureScore signflips per sideRecursive call-search(child, -b, -a)Return -bestunified codePreferred formulation in modern engines for code clarity
Negamax.
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How it works end to end

Single search function.

Bound swap + negate.

Alpha-beta identical.

PVS + null move fit naturally.