The Kasparov-Deep Blue chess matches

An unprecedented battle of wits between man and machine

Alex Q. Arbuckle

1996-1997

Spectators watch a broadcast of the final, decisive game in the rematch between Garry Kasparov and the IBM computer Deep Blue. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

On Feb. 10, 1996, a computer won a game of chess against a world champion for the first time. The computer was Deep Blue, a machine designed by IBM capable of computing 100 million positions per second. The champion was 32-year-old Russian Grandmaster Garry Kasparov, who had first been named world champion at age 22. The game was the first in a match of six held in Philadelphia. Kasparov rebounded in the following five games, fighting the computer to two draws and three victories, winning the overall match. 

Garry Kasparov takes a pawn in the opening moves of a six-game match against Deep Blue, operated by designer Feng-hsiung Hsu. Credit: TOM MIHALEK/AFP/Getty Images

Deep Blue at IBM headquarters in Armonk, New York. Credit: Yvonne Hemsey/Getty Images

A view of Deep Blue's display screen. Credit: Yvonne Hemsey/Getty Images

A computer programmer at IBM headquarters in Armonk, New York. Credit: Yvonne Hemsey/Getty Images

Deep Blue developer Dr. Chung-Jen Tan applauds Garry Kasparov after his victory over the supercomputer in the six-game match. Credit: TOM MIHALEK/AFP/Getty Images

IBM immediately set about making improvements to Deep Blue, fully doubling its computing power, and a rematch was set for May 1997. 

Kasparov poses for a photo while training for his rematch against Deep Blue. Credit: Ted Thai/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Kasparov lifts a white hat which signifies that he will have the first move in his rematch with Deep Blue. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

The two opponents met in a darkened television studio in New York for their highly hyped grudge match. 

Feng-hsiung Hsu prepares Deep Blue before Kasparov makes his opening move in the first of six games. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

Kasparov contemplates his opening move in Game 1 of the rematch. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

Kasparov moves his first piece, a knight, in the first game of the rematch. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

Spectators watch the first game. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

Kasparov took the first move of the first game, and defeated the improved Deep Blue in 45 moves. However, Kasparov was unable to understand the reason for one of the computer’s final counterintuitive moves, which may have been the result of a software glitch. He interpreted it as a sign of an intelligence superior to his own, and became anxious and unnerved.

IBM scientist Murray Campbell makes a move for Deep Blue in Game 2. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

Kasparov makes a move in Game 2. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

The second game ended in victory for the computer, leaving them tied with four games left.

Kasparov ponders a move in Game 3, after winning the first game and losing the second. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

Spectators watch a live broadcast of Game 3. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

The IBM Deep Blue team pose for a photo after Game 4 ended in a draw, leaving the score still tied. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

May 7, 1997

Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

May 11, 1997

Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

Game 3 ended in a draw.Game 4 ended in a draw.Game 5 ended in a draw.

May 10, 1997

Credit: Bernie Nunez/Allsport/Getty Images

May 7, 1997

Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

Kasparov considers his next move early in Game 5. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

On May 11, the final, tie-breaking game was held. Audiences watched in suspense via television as Kasparov sat down opposite Deep Blue’s human surrogate. 

Kasparov holds his head in his hands as IBM scientist Joseph Hoane makes a move for Deep Blue at the start of the final game. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

In just 19 moves, Deep Blue defeated the human grandmaster. IBM was thrilled, and Kasparov was crestfallen. He went on to accuse the Deep Blue team of cheating and demanded anther rematch. IBM declined, and retired Deep Blue at the top of its game.

Kasparov wears a look of dejection after being swiftly defeated by Deep Blue in their final game. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

Kasparov reflects on his loss to Deep Blue in their final game. Credit: STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images