Kasparov vs. Deep Blue | The Match That Changed History
Over 20 years ago, World Champion Garry Kasparov took on IBM and the super-computer Deep Blue in the ultimate battle of man versus machine. This was a monumental moment in chess history and was followed closely around the world. This match appealed to chess players, scientists, computer experts, and the general public. At the time of the match, Kasparov was the reigning world champion. Kasparov was put to the ultimate test carrying the weight of humanity on his shoulders heading into this iconic chess battle.
- Kasparov vs. Deep Blue (1996 Match)
- Kasparov vs. Deep Blue (1997 Rematch)
- The match that inspired a film
Kasparov vs. Deep Blue (1996 Match)
IBM's Deep Blue: the computer that challenged a World Champion. | Photo: Wikipedia
| Name | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Score |
| Kasparov | 0 | 1 | ½ | ½ | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Deep Blue | 1 | 0 | ½ | ½ | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Game 1
Game one shocked the world of chess when Kasparov was forced to resign after thirty-seven moves against the super computer. This game marked a turning point in chess history as this was the first time a reigning world champion ever lost against a computer with tournament conditions and slow time controls.
Game 2
After game one, all eyes were on Kasparov to see if he could recover from the shocking loss to Deep Blue. The intellect of mankind was a heavy weight for Kasparov to carry, but being a world champion, Kasparov rose to the challenge!
Game 3
After the fighting first two rounds, peace was restored, and game three was drawn. Deep Blue went again for the Alapin Sicilian that worked great in game one, but Kasparov kept the game under control, and the game was drawn in 39 moves.
Game 4
This was another peaceful game that was drawn in 50 moves. The star move this game occurred when Kasparov sacrificed on move 42 to secure the draw.
Game 5
Game five would be the game that the Deep Blue team would come to regret. Kasparov offered a draw on move 23 which the computer declined. Deep Blue's play after the draw offer steadily went downhill as Kasparov took over the initiative and never let up until the computer was forced to resign.
Game 6
Kasparov stuck to his game plan and strategy with White keeping a more closed position against Deep Blue. This was the most one-sided game of the match, and Kasparov was able to put the final nail in the coffin of Deep Blue, proving that man was still king of the royal game.
Kasparov conquered Deep Blue in their 1996 match.
Kasparov vs. Deep Blue (1997 Rematch)
The much anticipated rematch of man vs. machine brought much excitement not only to chess fans but to the entire world. Could the Deep Blue team create a stronger machine in one year to take on the world's best chess player? Many were skeptical, but Deep Blue was out to prove the rapid progress of artificial intelligence.
| Name | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Score |
| Kasparov | 1 | 0 | ½ | ½ | ½ | 0 | 2½ |
| Deep Blue | 0 | 1 | ½ | ½ | ½ | 1 | 3½ |
Game 1
Kasparov was shocked at Deep Blue's play in this game. Move 44 in the first game is said to be the result of a computer "bug" when the machine could not figure out what move to play and simply collapsed.
Game 2
Game number two of the 1997 match was the most controversial encounter of the match. After the loss, Kasparov made it known that he felt that the IBM team cheated by receiving outside information from a grandmaster starting with move 36.axb5! In a later interview in 2016, Kasparov said after much analysis and looking at both his own and the computers' play that he takes back his conclusions on what happened during this game.
Game 3
Coming in to play game three of the match, Kasparov's focus would be put to the test after round two's conflicts with the Deep Blue team. The question would be if Kasparov could continue the match and put this game behind him in order to bring out his best chess. The interesting part of game three is Kasparov's anti-computer opening which was somewhat of a revolution at the time. The position after 48 moves was exhausted, and the game was drawn.
Game 4
Kasparov used the same strategy this game as the last game by playing a slightly offbeat opening to keep the computer of any special book it might have programmed. Deep Blue gained a space advantage and some slight initiative, but Kasparov was able to keep the game balanced. The game ended in a drawn rook and pawn endgame.
Game 5
Game five was another draw, but this game was a real fight from both sides. Even though the final position has Kasparov queening a pawn, Deep Blue's pieces were coordinated enough to force perpetual check.
Game 6
The final of the 1997 match of Kasparov vs. Deep Blue shocked Kasparov and the world. Deep Blue played a very aggressive sacrificing a knight on move eight! Kasparov never recovered from this stunning move and went down in flames in just 19 moves.
The match that inspired a film
This match was such an attraction around the world that it inspired a film documentary covering the excitement. This well thought-out documentary contains interviews with Kasparov, chess fans, the Deep Blue team, as well as actual match footage. You really get to see all that went into this match, the suspicions and drama, and Kasparov's perspective.
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