Deep Blue’s checkmate turns 20.  

20 years ago today, IBM’s Deep Blue supercomputer won a game of chess against the reigning world champion Garry Kasparov, and the world got a glimpse into the future of technology. 14 years later, IBM Watson prevailed against the champions of Jeopardy!. Since then, Watson has worked with everyone from artists to doctors to engineers and more to enhance the ways we work, learn and make. We’re excited to see what we’ll build together in the next 20+ years to come.

See how AI has evolved ->

7 years ago

When Humans Lose, They Win
Tales From The IBM Playground

From our chess champion, Deep Blue, to our more recent Jeopardy! superstar, Watson, IBM Researchers love demonstrating and exploring the endless possibilities of technology through man vs. machine Grand Challenges. Now, in 2014, machine competitors are no big deal, but in 1997, when Deep Blue beat the greatest chess champion in the world, millions were in awe. A little playing around foreshadowed a world in which massive database searches would be commonplace.

10 years ago