Mersenne Twister code Die Roller for VASSAL

Bill Thomson & Chuck Young

September 20, 2006

WGA SUMMARY

The original (and in most cases, current) die roller built into the original VASL application and subsequent VASSAL engine has gained notoriety for generating streaks, clusters of results in a somewhat predictable pattern, and an inferred high frequency of extreme die rolls. Simple analysis of an overall distribution of a single batch of 10K 2d6 results has shown a valid statistical distribution; however, this is not necessarily true in the VASSAL game application, which uses a large number of sets containing a small number of rolls.

As a result of this reputation, many players have modified their style of play during remote mode (PBEM/server), realizing that a normal distribution might not be generated. Others players have ceased using the inherent die roller altogether, substituting a third party die roller or relying on the honor system (each player rolls physical dice at his location). The advantages of the inherent die roller are its ease of use and the fact that it is a common tool used by both players. These strengths are undermined if the results cannot be trusted.

The original VASSAL die roller is based on the Java Pseudo Random Number Generator ("PRNG") which is similar the C programming language's rand(). The latter has been considered notorious for years when used in Monte Carlo applications. If the similarity does indeed exist, the Java PRNG is also suspect.

Solving both problems, the WGA VASSAL Team has configured a new die roller. It has been initially introduced as an additional set of buttons through installation of a module-based extension. Use of this button is recorded in the log with the text “Twister”. (The build file will require modification for each game module individually to create the corresponding extension.) Where WGA contributor control exists, a transition is being made to make it the only die roller. The new roller is based on Mersenne Twister code; and is identified by buttons with a yellow background.

The Mersenne Twister code has been fully validated through analysis using the Diehard Test Suite®.

BACKGROUND REFERENCE:

Several internet references exist which have established a consensus that rand()-derived PRNGs are deficient when analyzed using a proven benchmarking suite of software tools. (endnote 1)
The standard PRNG benchmarking software is the Diehard Test Suite. (endnote 2)
Mersenne Twister has been tested with DIEHARD and has passed this evaluation. It is ideal for Monte Carlo applications such as we have in the VASSAL dice bot. Although not the ideal PRNG, it is in use by applications where randomness is critical, such as gambling sites. (endnote 3)
C's rand() function fairs poorly when tested using DIEHARD despite a spirited defense by many programmers. Serious gaming and gambling sites explicitly avoid using rand(). Rand() was originally developed for cryptographic purposes rather than Monte Carlo applications.
Testing of the VASSAL die roller is published on the VASSAL site. But this Java PRNG code fails comprehensive testing via DIEHARD. Two different analyses have yielded two different results. (endnote 4) The comprehensive testing using Diehard, an industry standard, favors the Mersenne Twister code.
A bullet-point presentation analyzing the Java PRNG has been published by Four Delta. (endnote 5) This states, “The Sun RNG uses a 48-bit seed, but only 17 bits contribute to the LSB, producing severe non-randomness and periodicity in the low-order bits, despite extra code to compensate for this effect.” It is unknown if VASSAL has implemented modifications to utilize the higher order bits. Additionally, the Four Delta presentation infers that rand() is the grandfather of the Java PRNG. Finally, the Four Delta people used DIEHARD to test the Java PRNG, with highly discouraging results. This is expected as rand() fails also.
The Four Delta group compared the Mersenne Twister code to the native Java PRNG in their presentation and found that it actually *runs faster*. (endnote 6)
The ‘Twister’ die roller extension for the current VSQL3 module is found on the VSQL module page of the VASSAL site. A “How to use Module Extensions” guide is also found at this location. A VSQL3.1 has been posted at this location to replace the current VSQL3.01, where Twister is the only die roller. Twister will be the only die roller in the VSQL4 module currently in Beta prior to its final release. WGA will approach the VASL module contributor team, providing a VASL extension for consideration. (endnote 7)

CREDITS AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Wargame Academy Vassal Team (Brent Easton, Jeff Wise, Bill Thomson) with assistance by Chuck Young, technical consultant
Email: bill@wargameacademy.org; 512-799-6705; CST; Texas, USA
http://www.wargameacademy.org