The sixth game of the 1997 match between Garry Kasparov and IBM’s supercomputer Deep Blue was a watershed moment in the history of chess and artificial intelligence. This game marked the first time a computer defeated a reigning world champion in a match under standard time controls, highlighting the growing capabilities of machine intelligence.
Game overview
- Date: May 11, 1997
- Location: New York City
- White: Deep Blue
- Black: Garry Kasparov
Key moments and analysis
The game opened with the Caro-Kann Defense:
- e4 c6
- d4 d5
- Nd2
Deep Blue’s solid opening play and strategic depth demonstrated the computational prowess of the machine. Kasparov, known for his dynamic style, found himself outmaneuvered by Deep Blue’s precise calculations.
Key moves
- Qe2: A quiet move that prepared for a central breakthrough.
- e5: Initiating a strong pawn push that gained space and created long-term strategic advantages.
- Bd3: Strengthening the position and preparing to dominate the open files.
As the game progressed, Kasparov’s position deteriorated under the relentless pressure of Deep Blue’s moves, leading to a decisive victory for the machine.
Final position
All the moves in order from the game
| Move | White | Black |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | e4 | c6 |
| 2 | d4 | d5 |
| 3 | Nc3 | dxe4 |
| 4 | Nxe4 | Nd7 |
| 5 | Ng5 | Ngf6 |
| 6 | Bd3 | e6 |
| 7 | Qe2 | c5 |
| 8 | N1f3 | cxd4 |
| 9 | Nxd4 | Nc5 |
| 10 | Bb5+ | Bd7 |
| 11 | Bxd7+ | Qxd7 |
| 12 | c3 | Be7 |
| 13 | O-O | O-O |
| 14 | Re1 | Rfd8 |
| 15 | Rd1 | Qc7 |
| 16 | Ngf3 | a6 |
| 17 | Bg5 | Rd5 |
| 18 | c4 | Rdd8 |
| 19 | Bh4 | Qb6 |
| 20 | b4 | Qxb4 |
| 21 | Rab1 | Qa4 |
| 22 | Ne5 | Rac8 |
| 23 | h3 | Rc7 |
| 24 | Bg3 | Rcc8 |
| 25 | Rb6 | Qe8 |
| 26 | Rd6 | Nce4 |
| 27 | Nd7 | Nxg3 |
| 28 | Nxf6+ | gxf6 |
| 29 | Qg4+ | Kh8 |
| 30 | Qxg3 | Rc6 |
| 31 | Nxc6 | Bxd6 |
| 32 | Nxd8 | Bxg3 |
| 33 | Nxf7+ | Kg7 |
| 34 | Nh6 | Bh4 |
| 35 | Ng4 | f5 |
| 36 | Nxf5+ | exf5 |
| 37 | Ne3 | Qe4 |
| 38 | Rd4 | Qb1+ |
| 39 | Kh2 | Bxf2 |
| 40 | Rd8+ | Kf7 |
| 41 | Rd7+ | Ke6 |
| 42 | Rd6+ | Ke7 |
| 43 | Nxf5# |
Conclusion
The 1997 match between Garry Kasparov and Deep Blue was a pivotal moment in the relationship between humans and machines in chess. Game 6, in particular, showcased the potential of artificial intelligence to challenge even the best human minds. It remains a milestone in the development of computer chess and a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of technology.