What characterizes AlphaZero's training methodology?

The training methodology of AlphaZero is characterized by its unique self-play approach, where it plays against itself to refine its strategies and improve its performance. This method allows AlphaZero to explore various strategies in an unrestricted environment free from human biases. By continually playing against itself, the system could learn from its own mistakes and successes, developing increasingly sophisticated strategies without needing external input.

Self-play has the advantage of generating a vast array of game situations and strategies that might not be covered by predefined human strategies. This differs significantly from training against external opponents, which may limit the learning process to only the specific tactics of those opponents.

While traditional reinforcement learning techniques are indeed part of AlphaZero's overall methodology, its core training aspect historically relied on self-play rather than simply applying these techniques in isolation. Similarly, supervised learning from human experts was not a characteristic of its approach; instead, the focus was on autonomous learning through self-generated gameplay experiences. Thus, self-play stands out as the defining characteristic of AlphaZero's innovative training methodology.