In Wii Chess you’ll have the chance to go head to head with one of the most advanced computer chess systems on the planet. As you battle to outwit the game’s artificial intelligence, you might find yourself asking exactly how your electronic opponent got to be so smart! Don’t worry though; losing out to a computer is nothing new. Check out our timeline below to see how the rise of artificial intelligence has signaled the downfall of many great players at the chess table.
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1769 – In one of the great
hoaxes of the time, inventor Wolfgang von Kempelen constructs a chess
playing machine known as The Turk, which many believe to be a complex
device capable of competing against the best chess players of the time.
In fact, the machine houses a well-concealed operator who can see and
control the game via a series of magnets. The clever construction of
the machine keeps the secret of how it is operated safe for years after
its first appearance. Among the notable opponents The Turk plays and
defeats are Napoleon Bonaparte and Benjamin Franklin.
1958 – Building
on years of research, the first computer programmes that can play a
full game of chess are developed. Eight years later, the first chess
match between two computer programmes takes place and lasts for 9
months, with the computer-generated moves being sent across the
Atlantic via telegraph.
1967 – Mac
Hack Six becomes the first chess computer programme to defeat a human
opponent in tournament play. The following year, International Master
David Levy bets that no chess computer will be able to win against him
within the next decade but admits it won’t be long until artificial
intelligence catches up with humans. In 1989 his prediction comes true
when he loses heavily to chess computer Deep Thought.
1981 – The
Mississippi State Championship is won by computer Cray Blitz. On the
way to securing victory, Cray Blitz becomes the first computer to
defeat a master in tournament play.
1996 – Legendary
chess player and world champion Gary Kasparov defeats advanced computer
system Deep Blue despite losing the first game in the match. One year
later, however, Kasparov fails to repeat the feat in a rematch and
becomes one of the most high profile players ever to lose to a computer.
2006 – Undisputed
world champion Vladimir Kramnik becomes the latest top player to lose
out to a computer when he is defeated by Deep Fritz.
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