2006: Deep Fritz Clobbers Kramnik, 4–2

Abstract

Time may have run out on the human race in Bonn, Germany, November 25, 2006–December 5, 2006 when Deep Fritz brought Vladimir Kramnik to his knees. In 1997, Kasparov bowed to Deep Blue, 3.5–2.5. In 2002 and 2003, both Kramnik and Kasparov were unable to do any better than stand even in their respective matches with computers. With the top chess engines clearly stronger than they were during those matches, how could one imagine Kramnik would set matters straight in Bonn in The Duel: Man vs. Machine? Four years had passed since his last encounter with Deep Fritz, four years during which chess engines were improved in many aspects. And if Kramnik didn’t manage to win or at least draw, one could be sure future matches were not any more likely to produce favorable results for us humanoids.