AI and chess

Chess has been known to mankind for centuries, it is a popular strategy game and is excellent for developing logical thinking. But what is the role of artificial intelligence in the development and popularisation of this game?

Back in the 1980s, there was the first rivalry between man and an AI chess engine. At that time, the world chess champion was Garry Kasparov, and he battled and successfully defeated the computer. This took place in 1989 and again in 1996. But as early as 1997, the computer won a landslide victory. Many years have passed since then, and nowadays modern computer programs with AI (so-called chess engines) are guaranteed not to let a man win — even the best, current world champions fail to do so. But the role of artificial intelligence in chess is not one of competition between a computer and a human. It’s a completely different story.

Most of today’s grandmasters use chess engines. AI models help them analyze their games, as well as those of their competitors. And this capability is completely changing the idea of chess matches. Even now, if you analyze any game at the highest level, it will become clear that players make around fifteen moves based on the games that have been analyzed or that the engine has recommended.

The AI computer has greatly improved the quality of the games. And no legendary player of the past could compete with today’s players. The opinion of experts on this matter is strongly divided. Some believe that artificial intelligence has reduced chess games to theory, leaving no space for the real game — the flight of fancy and human logic. Others, on the other hand, are convinced that AI has made an overall radical improvement and challenged all modern players.

Of course, artificial intelligence has made its adjustments in the development of chess. But in any case, when it comes to human games, there is always room for error. And opponents can always use them as an advantage for exciting attacking chess.