PulseExploreJournal ClubDebatesTrendingResearchersJournals
Instagram
HomeExploreJournal ClubTrending
Synapse
⌘+K
Synapse
April 12, 20260 citationsOpen Access

Cross-domain transfer learning in a minimal Hebbian cortical network: from Tic-Tac-Toe to Connect Four without retraining

View Full Paper
JAJean-Luc Aubert

Key Points

  • The study aims to explore cross-domain transfer learning capabilities in a Hebbian cortical network.
  • Developed a Hebbian learning system called Brain over Brains (BoB).
  • Observed the system playing 18 games of Tic-Tac-Toe.
  • Tested performance on Connect Four without retraining or parameter adjustments.
  • Achieved 100% overlap of neuron activation between Tic-Tac-Toe and Connect Four.
  • Identified 134 new causal path signatures in 66 seconds.
  • Enabled immediate-win recognition on a novel Connect Four board.

Abstract

We present Brain over Brains aka BoB, a purely Hebbian learning system (no backpropagation, no reward shaping) organized as any cortical columns needed of any neurons required for each (the current publication covers 3 columns of 5 neurons so 15 neurons total). After observing 18 games of Tic‑Tac‑Toe (3×3 grid) : After each run of 4 Tic-Tac-Toe grid, BoB is exposed to a never seen brand new grid, BoB was able to solve the position, Then the system was exposed to Connect Four (6×7 grid) without any retraining or parameter adaptation. The same 15 neurons activated on Connect Four (100% overlap), 134 new causal path signatures were sedimented in 66 seconds, and chains of up to 4 neurons in cascade emerged. The system successfully played a winning move on a never‑seen Connect Four board requiring immediate‑win recognition.

Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper

Cite This Study

Jean-Luc Aubert (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69db380f4fe01fead37c63f5https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19493597
Ask AI
Helpful
Bookmark
Share
View Full Paper