Kasparov Outwits Deep Blue For Win Human Now Leads Six-Match Tournament, But Ibm Hasn’t Thrown In The Electronic Towel

After having his draw offer rejected, Garry Kasparov rallied Friday to defeat Deep Blue and clinch at least a tie in their six-game match.

“Today was a good day,” Kasparov said. “I proved this machine isn’t invincible.”

The 32-year-old world chess champion has two wins and the IBM-designed computer has one. There have been two draws. Deep Blue must win today’s sixth and final game to salvage a tie.

Kasparov can win the tournament and a $400,000 first prize with either a win or a draw. He’ll have the advantage of playing the white pieces, and going first.

Chung-Jen Tan, the IBM team’s lead designer, said he wouldn’t throw in the towel just yet.

“Garry is the best and we are the second best right now,” Tan said, “though we don’t know yet for sure.”

The IBM team said they rejected the draw offer to test how the machine would react.

Immediately after his offer was turned down, Kasparov improved his position dramatically.

Chessmaster Dan Heisman said, “The computer made a couple of mistakes and Kasparov was able to make some strong moves.” Within 10 moves, Heisman said, “Deep Blue’s position is very bad.”

Deep Blue, playing the white pieces, resigned in its 48th move.

In his 37th move, Kasparov captured a bishop in a play that most chess experts said essentially ended the computer’s chances of winning.