Stage a Coup to become king of the hill!

Calculator

Plans out his winning series of moves, and challenges anything that would prevent him from winning.

from __future__ import division
import sys
import random
import operator

_, filename, othercoins, mycoins, mycards = sys.argv[:5]
legalActions = sys.argv[5:]

actions_dict = {'E': '_', 'T': '0', 'A': "'", 'S': '<', 'd': '0', 'a': '_', 'c': '<', 's': '='}
punishment_to_reveal = {'_': '~', "'": '^', '<': '*', '=': '!', '0': '$'}
reveal_to_punishment = {punishment_to_reveal[k]: k for k in punishment_to_reveal}

obviousActions = ['~', '^', '*', '!', '$']
lossActions = ['_', "'", '<', '=', '0']

statefilename = './state.txt'
flags = set()
# Flags:
# 1 We went first
# $ Attacking with Duke
# * Attacking with Captain
# ^ Attacking with Assassin
# d Opponent used Duke
# c Opponent used Captain
# A Opponent used Assassin
# F Opponent used Foreign Aid

with open(statefilename, "a+") as statefile:
    statefile.seek(0)
    if statefile.readline().strip() == filename:
        flags = set(statefile.readline().strip())

with open(filename, "r+") as history:
    line = "\n"
    turn = 0
    oppcardcount = 4 - len(mycards)
    for a in history:
        line = a
        turn += 1
        if [c for c in line if c in lossActions]:
            oppcardcount -= 1
    else:
        flags.add("1")

    mycoins = int(mycoins)
    othercoins = int(othercoins)
    mycardcount = len(mycards)

    if line == 'T':
        othercoins += 3
        flags.add('d')
    elif line == 'S':
        othercoins += (2 if mycoins > 2 else mycoins)
        mycoins -= (2 if mycoins > 2 else mycoins)
        flags.add('c')
    elif line == 'A':
        othercoins -= 3
        mycardcount -= 1
        flags.add('A')
    elif line == 'F':
        flags.add('F')
    elif line == 'I\n':
        # If opponent is backing down, they're not so scary anymore
        flags.discard('d')
        flags.discard('c')
        flags.discard('F')

    # What's the least aggressive play that still wins?
    iGetStolen = ('c' in flags and not '*' in mycards and not '~' in mycards)
    iGetAssassinated = ('A' in flags and not '!' in mycards)
    incomeTimeToWin = max(0,7*oppcardcount-mycoins)+oppcardcount if not iGetStolen else 1000
    faidTimeToWin = max(0,7*oppcardcount-mycoins+1)//2+oppcardcount if not iGetStolen else 1000
    dukeTimeToWin = max(0,7*oppcardcount+(2*(oppcardcount-mycardcount) if iGetStolen else 0)-mycoins+2)//(3 if not iGetStolen else 1)+oppcardcount
    assassinTimeToWin = max(0,3*oppcardcount-mycoins)+oppcardcount if not iGetStolen else oppcardcount if mycoins >= 5*oppcardcount-2 else 1000
    captainTimeToWin = max(0,7*oppcardcount-mycoins+1)//2+oppcardcount
    faidAssassinTimeToWin = max(0,3*oppcardcount-mycoins+1)//2+oppcardcount if not iGetStolen else 1000
    dukeAssassinTimeToWin = max(0,3*oppcardcount+(2*(oppcardcount-mycardcount) if iGetStolen else 0)-mycoins+2)//(3 if not iGetStolen else 1)+oppcardcount
    captainAssassinTimeToWin = max(0,3*oppcardcount-mycoins+1)//2+oppcardcount
    opponentMoneySpeed = (2 if iGetStolen else 3 if 'd' in flags else 2 if 'F' in flags and not '$' in mycards else 1)
    opponentTimeToWin = max(0,(3 if iGetAssassinated else 7)*mycardcount-othercoins+opponentMoneySpeed-1)//opponentMoneySpeed+mycardcount
    opponentTimeToWinCaptained = max(0,(3 if iGetAssassinated else 7)*mycardcount+2*(mycardcount-oppcardcount)-(othercoins-2 if othercoins>2 else 0)+opponentMoneySpeed-3)//(opponentMoneySpeed-2)+mycardcount if opponentMoneySpeed > 2 else 1000

    def pickCardToLose():
        favoriteCards = []
        if dukeTimeToWin < opponentTimeToWin and '$' in mycards:
            favoriteCards = ['$', '!', '*', '~', '^']
        elif dukeAssassinTimeToWin < opponentTimeToWin and ('$' in mycards or '$' in flags) and '^' in mycards:
            favoriteCards = ['^', '$', '!', '*', '~']
        elif assassinTimeToWin < opponentTimeToWin and '^' in mycards:
            favoriteCards = ['^', '!', '*', '~', '$']
        elif captainTimeToWin < opponentTimeToWinCaptained and '*' in mycards:
            favoriteCards = ['*', '!', '$', '^', '~']
        elif faidTimeToWin < opponentTimeToWin and '^' in mycards and not 'd' in flags:
            favoriteCards = ['!', '*', '~', '$', '^']
        elif faidAssassinTimeToWin < opponentTimeToWin and '^' in mycards and not 'd' in flags:
            favoriteCards = ['^', '!', '*', '~', '$']
        elif captainAssassinTimeToWin < opponentTimeToWinCaptained and '*' in mycards and '^' in mycards:
            favoriteCards = ['^', '*', '!', '$', '~']
        else:
            favoriteCards = ['!', '*', '~', '$', '^']
        # Losing a card.  Decide which is most valuable.
        for k in favoriteCards:
            if k in mycards:
                cardToLose = k
        return reveal_to_punishment[cardToLose]

    action = legalActions[0]
    if line == "\n":
        # First turn behavior
        if '$' in mycards and 'T' in legalActions:
            action = 'T'
            flags.add('$')
        elif '*' in mycards and 'S' in legalActions:
            action = 'S'
            flags.add('*')
        elif '^' in mycards and 'I\n' in legalActions:
            action = 'I\n'
            flags.add('^')
        elif '~' in mycards and 'E' in legalActions:
            action = 'E'
        elif 'T' in legalActions:
            # Contessa/Contessa?  Need to lie.
            action = 'T'
            flags.add('$')
    elif set(obviousActions).intersection(legalActions):
        # Always take these actions if possible
        for a in set(obviousActions).intersection(legalActions):
            action = a
        # This might change our strategy
        flags.discard(action)
    elif '$' in mycards and 'd' in legalActions:
        action = 'd'
    elif '~' in mycards and 'a' in legalActions:
        action = 'a'
    elif '*' in mycards and 'c' in legalActions:
        action = 'c'
    elif '!' in mycards and 's' in legalActions:
        action = 's'
    elif 'q' in legalActions and line[-1] in 'dacs':
        # We're committed at this point
        action = 'q'
    elif 'q' in legalActions and '*' in flags and line[-1] in 'SE':
        # Don't allow these when using a steal strategy
        action = 'q'
    elif 'q' in legalActions and turn == 1:
        if line == 'T':
            if mycards == '$$' or mycards == '^^' or mycards == '!!':
                action = 'q'
            else:
                action = 'p'
                flags.add('d')
        elif line == 'S':
            if '$' in mycards and '^' in mycards:
                action = 'p'
                flags.add('c')
            else:
                action = 'q'
        elif line == 'E':
            action = 'p'
    elif line == 'A' and len(mycards) > 1:
        # Don't challenge the first assasination.  We'll get 'em later.
        action = pickCardToLose()
        flags.add('A')
    elif line == 'A':
        # Can't let this pass
        action = 'q'
    elif line == 'C':
        # Taking damage
        action = pickCardToLose()
    elif len(line) == 2 and line[1] == 'q':
        # My base action was successfully challenged
        action = pickCardToLose()+"\n"
        # Also stop claiming what we were challenged for
        if line == "Tq":
            flags.discard('$')
        elif line == "Sq":
            flags.discard('*')
        elif line == "Aq":
            flags.discard('^')
    elif len(line) == 3 and line[1] == 'q':
        # I failed challenging a base action
        action = pickCardToLose()
    elif len(line) == 3 and line[2] == 'q':
        # My block was successfully challenged
        action = pickCardToLose()
    elif len(line) == 4 and line[2] == 'q':
        # I failed challenging a block
        action = pickCardToLose()+"\n"
    else:
        if 'p' in legalActions:
            # Default to pass if no other action is chosen
            action = 'p'

        if dukeTimeToWin <= opponentTimeToWin and ('$' in mycards or '$' in flags):
            if 'C' in legalActions:
                action = 'C'
            elif 'T' in legalActions:
                action = 'T'
        elif incomeTimeToWin <= opponentTimeToWin:
            if 'C' in legalActions:
                action = 'C'
            elif 'I\n' in legalActions:
                action = "I\n"
        elif dukeAssassinTimeToWin <= opponentTimeToWin and ('$' in mycards or '$' in flags) and '^' in mycards and mycardcount > 1:
            if 3*oppcardcount <= mycoins - (2*(oppcardcount-1) if iGetStolen else 0) and 'A' in legalActions:
                action = 'A'
            elif 'T' in legalActions:
                action = 'T'
            flags.add('^');
        elif assassinTimeToWin <= opponentTimeToWin and '^' in mycards:
            if 'A' in legalActions:
                action = 'A'
            elif 'I\n' in legalActions:
                action = 'I\n'
            flags.add('^');
        elif captainTimeToWin <= opponentTimeToWinCaptained and '*' in mycards:
            if 'C' in legalActions:
                action = 'C'
            elif 'S' in legalActions:
                action = 'S'
            elif 'I\n' in legalActions:
                action = 'I\n'
            flags.add('*');
        elif faidTimeToWin <= opponentTimeToWin and not 'd' in flags:
            if 'C' in legalActions:
                action = 'C'
            elif 'F' in legalActions:
                action = 'F'
        elif faidAssassinTimeToWin <= opponentTimeToWin and '^' in mycards and not 'd' in flags:
            if 'A' in legalActions:
                action = 'A'
            elif 'F' in legalActions:
                action = 'F'
            flags.add('^');
        elif captainAssassinTimeToWin <= opponentTimeToWinCaptained and '*' in mycards and '^' in mycards:
            if 'A' in legalActions:
                action = 'A'
            elif 'S' in legalActions:
                action = 'S'
            flags.add('^');
            flags.add('*');
        elif 'q' in legalActions:
            action = 'q'
        # No winning strategy.  Find something useful to do anyway.
        elif 'C' in legalActions and not '^' in flags:
            action = 'C'
        elif 'S' in legalActions and '*' in flags:
            action = 'S'
        elif 'A' in legalActions and '^' in flags:
            action = 'A'
        elif 'E' in legalActions and '~' in mycards and dukeAssassinTimeToWin < opponentTimeToWin:
            action = 'E'
        elif 'F' in legalActions and not 'd' in flags:
            action = 'F'
        elif 'T' in legalActions:
            action = 'T'
            flags.add('$');
    if action == 'q':
        if line == 'T' or line == 'Fd':
            flags.discard('d')
        elif line == 'S' or line == 'Sc':
            flags.discard('c')
        elif line == 'A':
            flags.discard('A')
    history.write(action)

if len(mycards) > 2:
    favoriteCards = []
    if dukeTimeToWin < opponentTimeToWin and '$' in mycards:
        favoriteCards = ['$', '!', '*', '~', '^']
    elif dukeAssassinTimeToWin < opponentTimeToWin and ('$' in mycards or '$' in flags) and '^' in mycards:
        favoriteCards = ['^', '$', '!', '*', '~']
    elif assassinTimeToWin < opponentTimeToWin and '^' in mycards:
        favoriteCards = ['^', '!', '*', '~', '$']
    elif captainTimeToWin < opponentTimeToWinCaptained and '*' in mycards:
        favoriteCards = ['*', '!', '$', '^', '~']
    elif faidTimeToWin < opponentTimeToWin and '^' in mycards and not 'd' in flags:
        favoriteCards = ['!', '*', '~', '$', '^']
    elif faidAssassinTimeToWin < opponentTimeToWin and '^' in mycards and not 'd' in flags:
        favoriteCards = ['^', '!', '*', '~', '$']
    elif captainAssassinTimeToWin < opponentTimeToWinCaptained and '*' in mycards and '^' in mycards:
        favoriteCards = ['^', '*', '!', '$', '~']
    else:
        favoriteCards = ['!', '*', '~', '$', '^']
    # Losing two cards.  Decide which is most valuable.
    possibleCards = [k for k in favoriteCards if k in mycards]
    if len(possibleCards) < len(mycards) - 2:
        possibleCards = list(mycards)
        random.shuffle(possibleCards)
    mycards = ''.join(possibleCards[:(len(mycards)-2)])
    print mycards

with open(statefilename, "w") as statefile:
    statefile.write(filename+"\n")
    statefile.write(''.join(list(flags))+"\n")

Turncoat

Tells the truth at first, but starts lying when it stops being challanged. Also has some solver-behavior. (An approximation of how I behave when playing this game with humans)

import sys
import random

_, filename, othercoins, mycoins, mycards = sys.argv[:5]
legalActions = sys.argv[5:]

actions_dict = {'E': '_', 'T': '0', 'A': "'", 'S': '<', 'd': '0', 'a': '_', 'c': '<', 's': '='}
punishment_to_reveal = {'_': '~', "'": '^', '<': '*', '=': '!', '0': '$'}
reveal_to_punishment = {punishment_to_reveal[k]: k for k in punishment_to_reveal}

obviousActions = ['C', '~', '^', '*', '!', '$']
lossActions = ['_', "'", '<', '=' '0']

statefilename = './state.txt'
myclaims = set()
otherclaims = set()
mycaughtlies = set()
othercaughtlies = set()
flags = set()
# Flags:
# * Opponent had a chance to challenge us just now
# & Opponent has stopped wildly challenging everything
# E We have exchanged at least once
# S Opponent did not block a steal.  Go for the jugular!
# _ Opponent has lost a card

with open(statefilename, "a+") as statefile:
    statefile.seek(0)
    if statefile.readline().strip() == filename:
        myclaims = set(statefile.readline().strip())
        otherclaims = set(statefile.readline().strip())
        mycaughtlies = set(statefile.readline().strip())
        othercaughtlies = set(statefile.readline().strip())
        flags = set(statefile.readline().strip())

def getFavoriteCards():
    favoriteCards = []
    if '*' in otherclaims:
        favoriteCards.append('~')
    elif not '~' in otherclaims:
        favoriteCards.append('*')
    if len(otherclaims) > (0 if '_' in flags else 1) and mycoins > 1 and not '!' in otherclaims:
        favoriteCards.append('^')
    favoriteCards.append('!')
    favoriteCards.append('$')
    if not '~' in favoriteCards:
        favoriteCards.append('~')
    return favoriteCards

def pickCardToLose():
    # Losing a card.  Decide which is most valuable.
    favoriteCards = getFavoriteCards()
    cardToLose = ''
    for k in favoriteCards:
        if k in mycards:
            cardToLose = k
    for k in mycards:
        if not k in favoriteCards:
            cardToLose = k
    return reveal_to_punishment[cardToLose]

with open(filename, "r+") as history:
    line = "\n"
    for a in history:
        line = a
    if 'q' in legalActions:
        otherclaims.add(punishment_to_reveal[actions_dict[line[-1]]])
    if len(line) > 2 and line.endswith('\n') and line[-2] in lossActions:
        otherclaims.discard(punishment_to_reveal[line[-2]])
        flags.add('_')
    if len(line) > 2 and line.endswith('\n') and (line.startswith('Ep') or line.startswith('Eq~')):
        othercaughtlies = set()
    if '*' in flags:
        flags.discard('*')
        if line[-1] not in 'qdacs':
            flags.add('&')
            if line[-2] == 'F':
                othercaughtlies.add('$')
            if line[-2] == 'S':
                othercaughtlies.add('*')
                othercaughtlies.add('~')
            if line[-2] == 'A':
                othercaughtlies.add('!')
    action = legalActions[0]
    if set(obviousActions).intersection(legalActions):
        # Always take these actions if possible
        for a in set(obviousActions).intersection(legalActions):
            action = a
        if action in reveal_to_punishment:
            myclaims.discard(action)
    elif '&' in flags:
        preferredActions = []
        mysafecards = myclaims.union(mycards)

        # Calculate the financial situation
        mygain = 0
        oppgain = 0
        if '*' in mysafecards and not '*' in otherclaims and not '~' in otherclaims:
            mygain += 2
            oppgain -= 2
        elif '$' in mysafecards:
            mygain += 3
        elif not '$' in otherclaims:
            mygain += 1 # This script doesn't use foreign aid
        else:
            mygain += 1
        if '*' in otherclaims and not '*' in mysafecards and not '~' in mysafecards:
            oppgain += 2
            mygain -= 2
        elif '$' in mysafecards:
            oppgain += 3
        elif not '$' in otherclaims:
            oppgain += 2
        else:
            oppgain += 1
        mydist = 7 - int(mycoins)
        oppdist = 7 - int(othercoins)
        if '^' in mysafecards and len(otherclaims) > (0 if '_' in flags else 1) and not '!' in otherclaims:
            mydist -= 4
        if '^' in otherclaims and not '!' in mysafecards:
            oppdist -= 4
        if mydist > 0 and (oppdist <= 0 or mygain <= 0 or (oppgain > 0 and ((oppdist+oppgain-1) // oppgain) < ((mydist+mygain-1) // mygain))):
            # Not winning.  Do something desperate.
            timeToLive = ((oppdist+oppgain-1) // oppgain) if oppdist > 0 else 0
            favoriteCards = getFavoriteCards()
            if timeToLive < len(otherclaims):
                preferredActions.append('q')
            if (timeToLive or len(mycards) > 1) and favoriteCards[0] not in mysafecards:
                preferredActions.append('E')
            elif mycoins >= 3 and random.randint(0,2):
                preferredActions.append('A')
            else:
                preferredActions.append('S')

        preferredActions.append('s')
        if 'a' in legalActions and ('~' in mycards or '*' in mycards) and not 's' in flags:
            # Allow the first steal, as bait
            preferredActions.append('p')
            flags.add('s')
            if '~' in mycards:
                flags.discard('E')
        if '$' in mysafecards:
            preferredActions.append('d')
        if '~' in mysafecards:
            preferredActions.append('a')
        elif '*' in mysafecards:
            preferredActions.append('c')
        else:
            preferredActions.append('c' if random.randint(0,1) else 'a')
        if not 'E' in flags:
            preferredActions.append('E')
        if not ('~' in otherclaims or '*' in otherclaims):
            preferredActions.append('S')
        if len(otherclaims) > (0 if '_' in flags else 1) and ('^' in mycards or not '_' in flags) and not '!' in otherclaims:
            preferredActions.append('A')
        preferredActions.append('T')
        if line[-1] in actions_dict and punishment_to_reveal[actions_dict[line[-1]]] in othercaughtlies:
            preferredActions.append('q')
        preferredActions += ['p', '\n']
        if len(myclaims) < len(mycards):
            # Slip a lie in before admitting all cards in hand
            preferredActions = [a for a in preferredActions
                if not a in actions_dict
                or not punishment_to_reveal[actions_dict[a]] in mysafecards]
        else:
            preferredActions = [a for a in preferredActions
                if not a in actions_dict
                or punishment_to_reveal[actions_dict[a]] in mycards
                or not punishment_to_reveal[actions_dict[a]] in mycaughtlies]
        preferredActions = [a for a in preferredActions if a in legalActions]
        if preferredActions:
            action = preferredActions[0]
        else:
            loss = pickCardToLose()
            if loss in legalActions:
                action = loss
            elif loss+"\n" in legalActions:
                action = loss+"\n"
    else:
        preferredActions = []
        if not ('~' in otherclaims or '*' in otherclaims):
            preferredActions.append('S')
        preferredActions += ['T', 'E', 'd', 'a', 'c', 's', 'p', '\n']
        if not '!' in otherclaims:
            preferredActions.append('A')
        preferredActions = [a for a in preferredActions if a in legalActions]
        # Filter out lies, provided that doesn't filter out everything
        preferredActions = [a for a in preferredActions
            if not a in actions_dict
            or punishment_to_reveal[actions_dict[a]] in mycards
        ] or [a for a in preferredActions
            if not a in actions_dict
            or not punishment_to_reveal[actions_dict[a]] in mycaughtlies
        ]
        if preferredActions:
            action = preferredActions[0]
        else:
            loss = pickCardToLose()
            if loss in legalActions:
                action = loss
            elif loss+"\n" in legalActions:
                action = loss+"\n"
        if 'a' in legalActions:
            if action not in 'acq':
                # If vulnerable to stealing, don't admit it!
                action = random.choice('acq')
            elif not 's' in flags:
                # Allow the first steal, as bait
                action = 'p'
                flags.add('s')
                if '~' in mycards:
                    flags.discard('E')
    if action.strip("\n") in lossActions:
        myclaims.discard(punishment_to_reveal[action.strip("\n")])
        if line[-1] == 'q':
            # Also stop claiming what we were challenged for
            myclaims.discard(punishment_to_reveal[actions_dict[line[-2]]])
            mycaughtlies.add(punishment_to_reveal[actions_dict[line[-2]]])
    if action == 'q':
        # We challenged it.  One way or another, they will not have this card later.
        otherclaims.discard(punishment_to_reveal[actions_dict[line[-1]]])
        othercaughtlies.add(punishment_to_reveal[actions_dict[line[-1]]])
    if action in actions_dict:
        myclaims.add(punishment_to_reveal[actions_dict[action]])
        flags.add('*')
    history.write(action)

if len(mycards) > 2:
    flags.add('E')
    mycaughtlies = set()
    # Losing two cards.  Decide which is most valuable.
    favoriteCards = getFavoriteCards()
    # After an exchange, we can claim what we like.  Throw in some lying for more flexibility.
    myclaims = set()
    possibleCards = [k for k in favoriteCards if k in mycards]
    if random.randint(1,len(possibleCards)) > len(mycards) - 2:
        myclaims.add(possibleCards[0])
        possibleCards = possibleCards[1:]
    if len(possibleCards) < len(mycards) - 2:
        possibleCards = list(mycards)
        random.shuffle(possibleCards)
    mycards = ''.join(possibleCards[:(len(mycards)-2)])
    print mycards

with open(statefilename, "w") as statefile:
    statefile.write(filename+"\n")
    statefile.write(''.join(list(myclaims))+"\n")
    statefile.write(''.join(list(otherclaims))+"\n")
    statefile.write(''.join(list(mycaughtlies))+"\n")
    statefile.write(''.join(list(othercaughtlies))+"\n")
    statefile.write(''.join(list(flags))+"\n")

Bandit

Tries to get rid of the opponent's Ambassadors and Captains, and win by stealing.

import sys
import random

_, filename, othercoins, mycoins, mycards = sys.argv[:5]
legalActions = sys.argv[5:]

actions_dict = {'E': '_', 'T': '0', 'A': "'", 'S': '<', 'd': '0', 'a': '_', 'c': '<', 's': '='}
punishment_to_reveal = {'_': '~', "'": '^', '<': '*', '=': '!', '0': '$'}
reveal_to_punishment = {punishment_to_reveal[k]: k for k in punishment_to_reveal}

obviousActions = ['C', '~', '^', '*', '!', '$']
lossActions = ['_', "'", '<', '=' '0']

def getFavoriteCards():
    return ['*', '!', '~', '$', '^']

def pickCardToLose():
    # Losing a card.  Decide which is most valuable.
    favoriteCards = getFavoriteCards()
    cardToLose = ''
    for k in favoriteCards:
        if k in mycards:
            cardToLose = k
    for k in mycards:
        if not k in favoriteCards:
            cardToLose = k
    return reveal_to_punishment[cardToLose]

with open(filename, "r+") as history:
    line = "\n"
    turn = 0
    for a in history:
        line = a
        turn += 1
    action = legalActions[0]
    if set(obviousActions).intersection(legalActions):
        # Always take these actions if possible
        for a in set(obviousActions).intersection(legalActions):
            action = a
    elif 'p' in legalActions and turn == 1 and line == "E":
        # Let this pass... once
        action = 'p'
    elif 'q' in legalActions and line[-1] in 'SEac':
        # These get in the way of stealing, get rid of them even if it costs us a card
        action = 'q'
    elif 'E' in legalActions and '~' in mycards and '*' not in mycards:
        action = 'E'
    elif 'S' in legalActions:
        action = 'S'
    elif 's' in legalActions:
        if '!' in mycards:
            action = 's'
        elif len(mycards) == 1:
            action = random.choice('sq')
        else:
            action = pickCardToLose()
    elif 'p' in legalActions:
        action = 'p'
    elif line == 'A' or line == 'C':
        # Taking damage
        action = pickCardToLose()
    elif len(line) == 2 and line[1] == 'q':
        # My base action was successfully challenged
        action = pickCardToLose()+"\n"
    elif len(line) == 3 and line[1] == 'q':
        # I failed challenging a base action
        action = pickCardToLose()
    elif len(line) == 3 and line[2] == 'q':
        # My block was successfully challenged
        action = pickCardToLose()
    elif len(line) == 4 and line[2] == 'q':
        # I failed challenging a block
        action = pickCardToLose()+"\n"
    history.write(action)

if len(mycards) > 2:
    # Losing two cards.  Decide which is most valuable.
    favoriteCards = getFavoriteCards()
    possibleCards = [k for k in favoriteCards if k in mycards]
    if mycards.count('*') > 1:
        # Hooray captains!
        possibleCards = ['*'] + possibleCards
    if len(possibleCards) < len(mycards) - 2:
        possibleCards = list(mycards)
        random.shuffle(possibleCards)
    mycards = ''.join(possibleCards[:(len(mycards)-2)])
    print mycards

Bloody Murder

A counterpart to Bandit, this one goes all-in on a Duke+Assassin strategy.

import sys
import random

_, filename, othercoins, mycoins, mycards = sys.argv[:5]
legalActions = sys.argv[5:]

actions_dict = {'E': '_', 'T': '0', 'A': "'", 'S': '<', 'd': '0', 'a': '_', 'c': '<', 's': '='}
punishment_to_reveal = {'_': '~', "'": '^', '<': '*', '=': '!', '0': '$'}
reveal_to_punishment = {punishment_to_reveal[k]: k for k in punishment_to_reveal}

obviousActions = ['C', '~', '^', '*', '!', '$']
lossActions = ['_', "'", '<', '=' '0']

def getFavoriteCards():
    return ['^', '$', '!', '*', '~']

def pickCardToLose():
    # Losing a card.  Decide which is most valuable.
    favoriteCards = getFavoriteCards()
    cardToLose = ''
    for k in favoriteCards:
        if k in mycards:
            cardToLose = k
    for k in mycards:
        if not k in favoriteCards:
            cardToLose = k
    return reveal_to_punishment[cardToLose]

with open(filename, "r+") as history:
    line = "\n"
    stealHappened = 0
    oppcardcount = 4 - len(mycards)
    for a in history:
        line = a
        if line[0] == 'S':
            stealHappened = 1
        if [c for c in line if c in lossActions]:
            oppcardcount -= 1
    action = legalActions[0]
    if set(obviousActions).intersection(legalActions):
        # Always take these actions if possible
        for a in set(obviousActions).intersection(legalActions):
            action = a
    elif 'q' in legalActions and line[-1] in 's':
        # We need this gone
        action = 'q'
    elif 'E' in legalActions and '~' in mycards:
        action = 'E'
    elif 'A' in legalActions and (len(mycards) == 1 or mycoins >= 3*oppcardcount+(2 if stealHappened and oppcardcount>1 else 0)):
        action = 'A'
    elif 'T' in legalActions:
        action = 'T'
    elif 'd' in legalActions:
        action = 'd'
    elif 'c' in legalActions and '*' in mycards:
        action = 'c'
    elif 'a' in legalActions and '~' in mycards:
        action = 'a'
    elif 's' in legalActions:
        if '!' in mycards:
            action = 's'
        elif len(mycards) == 1:
            action = random.choice('sq')
        else:
            action = pickCardToLose()
    elif 'p' in legalActions:
        action = 'p'
    elif line == 'A' or line == 'C':
        # Taking damage
        action = pickCardToLose()
    elif len(line) == 2 and line[1] == 'q':
        # My base action was successfully challenged
        action = pickCardToLose()+"\n"
    elif len(line) == 3 and line[1] == 'q':
        # I failed challenging a base action
        action = pickCardToLose()
    elif len(line) == 3 and line[2] == 'q':
        # My block was successfully challenged
        action = pickCardToLose()
    elif len(line) == 4 and line[2] == 'q':
        # I failed challenging a block
        action = pickCardToLose()+"\n"
    history.write(action)

if len(mycards) > 2:
    # Losing two cards.  Decide which is most valuable.
    favoriteCards = getFavoriteCards()
    possibleCards = [k for k in favoriteCards if k in mycards]
    if mycards.count('^') > 1:
        # Hooray assassins!
        possibleCards = ['^'] + possibleCards
    if len(possibleCards) < len(mycards) - 2:
        possibleCards = list(mycards)
        random.shuffle(possibleCards)
    mycards = ''.join(possibleCards[:(len(mycards)-2)])
    print mycards

Solver

Solver try to remember what cards are played before and what was the previous moves of the opponent.

this is the 2nd version not finished yet (and it is a big mess now)

to make it work on node 10 add competitors.append(Player("Solver", ["node", "--experimental-modules", "./solver.mjs"]))

if node 12 competitors.append(Player("Solver", ["node", "./solver.js"]))

be carefull with the file type

import  fs from 'fs'
import { promisify } from 'util'

const appendFile = promisify(fs.appendFile)
const writeFile = promisify(fs.writeFile)
const readFile = promisify(fs.readFile)

const delay = ms => new Promise(_ => setTimeout(_, ms));

let [filename, othercoins, mycoins, mycards ] = process.argv.slice(2)
othercoins = +othercoins
mycoins = +mycoins

const move = async m => await appendFile(filename, m)
const message = m => process.stdout.write(m)
const endTurn = async _ => await move(`\n`) 

const stateFileName = `./state.json`

const defaultState = {
    inTheDeck: [],
    oponentCards: [],
    oponentMissingTempCard: "",
    oponentMissingCards: [],
    oponentDropedCards: [],
    oponentCardModifier: 0
}

const CardTypes = Object.freeze({
    Ambassador : `Ambassador`,
    Assassin : `Assassin`,
    Captain  : `Captain`,
    Contessa : `Contessa`,
    Duke     : `Duke`,
})

const revealTable = Object.freeze({
    [CardTypes.Ambassador]: `~`,
    [CardTypes.Assassin]: `^`,
    [CardTypes.Captain]: `*`,
    [CardTypes.Contessa]: `!`,
    [CardTypes.Duke]: `$`,
})

const giveUpTable = Object.freeze({
    [CardTypes.Ambassador]: `_`,
    [CardTypes.Assassin]: `'`,
    [CardTypes.Captain]: `<`,
    [CardTypes.Contessa]: `=`,
    [CardTypes.Duke]: `0`,
})

function GetRevealCardChar(cardType) {
    return revealTable[cardType]
}

function GetRevealCardType(char) {
    return Object.keys(revealTable).find(key => revealTable[key] === char)
}

function GetGiveUpCardChar(cardType) {
    return giveUpTable[cardType]
}

function GetGiveUpCardType(char) {
    return Object.keys(giveUpTable).find(key => giveUpTable[key] === char)
}

async function GiveUpCard(cardType, endTurn = false) {
    return await move(
        GetGiveUpCardChar(cardType) + `${endTurn?`\n`:``}`
    );
}

function OponentCanHave(cardType) {
    // it has it
    if (!!~state.oponentCards.indexOf(cardType)) return true

    if (state.oponentCards.length + state.oponentDropedCards.length >= 2) return false

    return true
}


function GiveCard(getOrder = false) {
    // TODO: Tactic
    const giveAwayOrder = [
        CardTypes.Captain,
        CardTypes.Ambassador,
        CardTypes.Contessa,
        CardTypes.Assassin,
        CardTypes.Duke,
    ]

    const tmp =  mycards
        .split('')
        .map(GetRevealCardType)

    let [unique, duplicate] = tmp.reduce(([unique, duplicate], item) => {
        return unique.includes(item) ? 
            [unique, [...duplicate, item]] :
            [[...unique, item], duplicate]
    }
    , [[],[]])

    unique.sort(
        (a, b) => giveAwayOrder.indexOf(a) - giveAwayOrder.indexOf(b));
    duplicate.sort(
        (a, b) => giveAwayOrder.indexOf(a) - giveAwayOrder.indexOf(b))

    const out = [...duplicate, ...unique]

    return getOrder? out: GetGiveUpCardChar(out[0]);
}

const iHaveAmbassador = !!~mycards.indexOf(`~`)
const iHaveAssassin = !!~mycards.indexOf(`^`)
const iHaveCaptain = !!~mycards.indexOf(`*`)
const iHaveContessa = !!~mycards.indexOf(`!`)
const iHaveDuke = !!~mycards.indexOf(`$`)

let state = defaultState

;(async ()=>{
    const data = (await readFile(filename, `utf8`)).replace(/\r/g, ``)

    const isNewGame = data === "" && mycoins === 1 && othercoins === 1

    if (isNewGame) {
        await writeFile(stateFileName, JSON.stringify(state))
    } else {
        state = JSON.parse(await readFile(stateFileName, `utf8`))
    }
    //console.error(state);
    let line = data.split(/\n/g).pop()

    // I am in the exchnage
    if (mycards.length >= 3) {
        const [c1, c2] = GiveCard(true).reverse()

        if (mycards.length === 3) {
            state.inTheDeck.push(c1)
            message(GetRevealCardChar(c1))
        }
        if (mycards.length === 4) {
            state.inTheDeck.push(c1, c2)
            message(`${GetRevealCardChar(c1)}${GetRevealCardChar(c2)}`)
        }
        return await move(`\n`)
    }

    const newTurn = line === ``

    if (newTurn) {
        if (mycoins >= 7) {
            return await move(`C`)
        }

        if (othercoins >= 6) {
            if (iHaveCaptain) 
                return await move(`S`)


            if (mycoins <= 6 && mycards.length <= 1) {
                // TODO: bluff 
            }
        }

        if (
            !iHaveDuke &&
            !iHaveContessa &&
            iHaveAmbassador
        ) {
            return await move(`E`)
        }

        // Assasinate if oponent has no Contessa
        if (
            mycoins >= 3 &&
            iHaveAssassin &&
            !~state.oponentCards.indexOf(CardTypes.Contessa)
        ) {
            return await move(`A`)
        }

        if (iHaveDuke) {

            return await move(`T`)
        }

        return await move(`I\n`)
    }

    // Exchange
    if (line === `Eq`) {
        if (iHaveAmbassador)
            return await move(GetRevealCardChar(CardTypes.Ambassador))

        return await GiveUpCard(GiveCard(true)[0])
    }

    // Tax Challenge
    if(line === `Tq`) {
        if (iHaveDuke)
            return await move(GetRevealCardChar(CardTypes.Duke))

        return await GiveUpCard(GiveCard(true)[0])
    }


    if (line === `Sa`) {
        if (!~state.oponentCards.indexOf(CardTypes.Ambassador)) {
            state.oponentMissingTempCard = CardTypes.Ambassador
            return await move(`q`)
        }
        return await endTurn()
    }

    if (line === `Sc`) {
        if (!~state.oponentCards.indexOf(CardTypes.Captain)) {
            state.oponentMissingTempCard = CardTypes.Captain
            return await move(`q`)
        }
        return await endTurn()
    }

    if (line=== `Saq${GetRevealCardChar(CardTypes.Ambassador)}`) {
        state.oponentMissingTempCard = ``
        state.oponentCards.push(
            CardTypes.Ambassador
        );
        return await GiveUpCard(GiveCard(true)[0], true)
    }

    if (line=== `Scq${GetRevealCardChar(CardTypes.Captain)}`) {
        state.oponentMissingTempCard = ``
        state.oponentCards.push(
            CardTypes.Captain
        );
        return await GiveUpCard(GiveCard(true)[0], true)
    }

    if (line === `Sq`) {
        if (iHaveCaptain)
            return await move(GetRevealCardChar(CardTypes.Captain))

        return await GiveUpCard(GiveCard(true)[0])
    }

    // Assassinate Block and Chalange it
    if (line === `As`) {
        state.oponentMissingTempCard = CardTypes.Contessa
        return await move(`q`)
    }

    // Assasint blocked by Contessa
    if (line === `Asq${GetRevealCardChar(CardTypes.Contessa)}`) {
        state.oponentMissingTempCard = ``
        state.oponentCards.push(
            CardTypes.Contessa
        )
        // Assassin useless here lets give it up
        return await GiveUpCard(CardTypes.Assassin, true)
    }

    // Assassinate challenge
    if (line === `Aq`) {
        if (iHaveAssassin)
            return await move(GetRevealCardChar(CardTypes.Assassin))

        return await GiveUpCard(GiveCard(true)[0])
    }


    // Defense Moves
    if (line === `C`) {
        return await GiveUpCard(GiveCard(true)[0])
    }


    if (line === `A`) {
        if (iHaveContessa)
            return await move(`s`)


        if (!!~state.oponentCards.indexOf(CardTypes.Assassin)) {
            // If oponent has an Assasin card lets bluff
            return await move(`s`)
        } else {
            state.oponentMissingTempCard = CardTypes.Assassin
            return await move(`q`)
        }

    }

    if (line === `Aq${GetRevealCardChar(CardTypes.Assassin)}`) {
        state.oponentMissingTempCard = ``
        state.oponentCards.push(
            CardTypes.Assassin
        );
        return await GiveUpCard(GiveCard(true)[0], true)
    }

    if (line === `Asq`) {
        if (iHaveContessa)
            return await move(GetRevealCardChar(CardTypes.Contessa))

        return await GiveUpCard(GiveCard(true)[0])
    }

    if (line === `S`) {
        if (iHaveAmbassador)
            return await move(`a`)

        if (iHaveCaptain)
            return await move(`c`)

        return await move(`p`)
    }

    if (line === `Saq`) {
        if (iHaveAmbassador)
            return await move(GetRevealCardChar(CardTypes.Ambassador))

        return await GiveUpCard(GiveCard(true)[0])
    }

    if (line === `Scq`) {
        if (iHaveCaptain)
            return await move(GetRevealCardChar(CardTypes.Captain))

        return await GiveUpCard(GiveCard(true)[0])
    }

    if (line === `F`) {
        if (iHaveDuke)
            return await move(`d`)

        return await move(`p`)
    }

    if (line === `Fdq`) {
        if (iHaveDuke)
            return await move(GetRevealCardChar(CardTypes.Duke))

        return await GiveUpCard(GiveCard(true)[0])
    }

    if (line === `E`) {
        if (!OponentCanHave(CardTypes.Ambassador)) {
            return await move(`q`)
        }

        state.oponentCards = []
        state.oponentMissingCards = []
        state.oponentMissingTempCard = ''

        return await move(`p`)
    }


    if (line === `Eq${GetRevealCardChar(CardTypes.Ambassador)}`) {
        console.error(111, `THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN`)
        return await GiveUpCard(GiveCard(true)[0])
    }

    if (line === `T`) {
        if (!OponentCanHave(CardTypes.Duke)) {
            return await move(`q`)
        }
        return await move(`p`)
    }

    if (line === `Tq${GetRevealCardChar(CardTypes.Duke)}`) {
        console.error(111, `THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN`)
        return await GiveUpCard(GiveCard(true)[0])
    }


    // remove oponents drop card from the state
    // can't detect if oponent has the same card twice
    if (!!~Object.values(giveUpTable).indexOf(line.substr(-1))) {
        // Catch the bluff
        if (state.oponentMissingTempCard !== "") {
            state.oponentMissingCards.push(state.oponentMissingTempCard)
            state.oponentMissingTempCard = ""
        }

        // maybe we should asume user doeas not has the same card?

        const cardType = GetGiveUpCardType(line.substr(-1))
        state.oponentCards.filter(c => c !== cardType)
        state.inTheDeck.push(cardType)
        state.oponentDropedCards.push(cardType)
    }

    return await endTurn()

})()
.then(async () => {
    await writeFile(stateFileName, JSON.stringify(state))
})
.catch(console.error.bind(console))


```

Lawyer

The Lawyer makes his way cautiously through the world, never lying, blocking when possible, challenging when not to his immediate detriment. He does not attack except when required by couping, but will take coins as often as possible in order to coup quickly. He is smart enough to sacrifice cards he does not use first, but not smart enough to use them to get rid of them and get new ones.

import sys

_, filename, othercoins, mycoins, mycards = sys.argv[:5]


def give_card():
    if "^" in mycards:
        return "'"
    if "~" in mycards:
        return "_"
    if "!" in mycards:
        return "="
    if "*" in mycards:
        return "<"
    return "0"


with open(filename, "r+") as history:
    line = "\n"
    for a in history:
        print("line:", a)
        line = a
    if line.endswith("\n"):
        if int(mycoins) >= 10:
            history.write("C")
        elif "$" in mycards:
            history.write("T")
        elif "*" in mycards and int(othercoins) > 0:
            history.write("S")
        else:
            history.write("F")
    elif line == "F":
        if "$" in mycards:
             history.write("d")
        else:
             history.write("p")
    elif line == "C":
        history.write(give_card())
    elif line == "E":
        if len(mycards) > 1:
            history.write("q")
        else: 
            history.write("p")
    elif line == "T":
        if len(mycards) > 1:
            history.write("q")
        else: 
            history.write("p")
    elif line == "A":
        if "!" in mycards:
            history.write("s")
        else: 
            history.write(give_card())
    elif line == "S":
        if "~" in mycards:
            history.write("a")
        elif "*" in mycards:
            history.write("c")
        elif len(mycards) > 1:
            history.write("q")
        else:
            history.write("p")
    elif line.endswith("d") and len(mycards) > 1:
        history.write("q")
    elif line.endswith("a") and len(mycards) > 1:
        history.write("q")
    elif line.endswith("c") and len(mycards) > 1:
        history.write("q")
    elif line.endswith("s") and len(mycards) > 1:
        history.write("q")
    elif line.endswith("sq"):
        history.write("!")
    elif line.endswith("aq"):
        history.write("~")
    elif line.endswith("cq"):
        history.write("*")
    elif line.endswith("dq"):
        history.write("$")
    elif line.endswith("Tq"):
        history.write("$")
    elif line.endswith("Sq"):
        history.write("*")
    elif line[-1] in "~^*!$":
        history.write(give_card())
        if line[-3] in "acds":
            history.write("\n")
    else:
        history.write("\n")

There are probably bugs in this program. When you find them, please let me know.