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Neurons
against Lithium
From
Nov. 25 to Dec. 5 of this year, chess aficionados witnessed a
new chapter of the epic battle of man versus machine.
The
first clash took place several decades ago. Grand Masters like
Ludek Pachman, of whom we spoke recently, had the opportunity
to measure their abilities against chess programs in the ‘70s.
But it was not until the ‘90s when this conflict got down and
dirty, as "Deep Blue," an innovative chess program,
beat world champion Garry Kasparov, considered by many the best
chess player of all time. The revolution was on.
This
year in Bonn we have seen the machine in action again. This time
the lithium microchips belonged to "Deep Fritz 10,"
a grandson of Deep Blue, while the human neurons belonged to world
champion Vladimir Kramnik–he of the formidable ELO of 2750.
They
played six thrilling games. Many commentators said that this could
be the last chance for humanity to triumph before succumbing to
the clear superiority of computers in chess. In fact, the final
score was 4 to 2 for the lithium, but I have to say I don't share
this pessimistic point of view.
On
at least two occasions, Kramnik had promising opportunities to
come away victorious. In the second game the world champion held
the initiative throughout the match until he was uncharacteristically
caught by surprise: He allowed a checkmate in one move when the
position was clearly drawn.
In
the first game, the one we present today, Kramnik should have
won, as you will be able to see by reading the analysis below.
Unfortunately, Kramnik did not find the right path and the game
ended in a hard‑fought draw. Anyway, he could have won,
and that is what matters. So let's not cry too long about this
defeat, instead girding the neuron loins for the next battle of
man versus machine.
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