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Today in History: Deep Blue defeats Kasparov, first computer champion

5/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On May 11 1997, IBM’s upgraded Deep Blue supercomputer defeated world champion Garry Kasparov 3½–2½ in a six-game match in New York, becoming the first computer to beat a reigning chess champion under standard tournament conditions. The victory followed Kasparov’s 1996 win over the earlier Deep Blue version.

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Story summary

On May 11 1997, IBM’s upgraded Deep Blue supercomputer defeated world champion Garry Kasparov 3½–2½ in a six-game match in New York, becoming the first computer to beat a reigning chess champion under standard tournament conditions. The victory followed Kasparov’s 1996 win over the earlier Deep Blue version.