Interview with Garry Kasparov: Reflecting on Rematch, Deep Blue, and the Future of Chess

The recently released TV series Rematch, a dramatized version of the legendary matches between GM Garry Kasparov and IBM’s Deep Blue, has sparked interest in the chess community. Kasparov, the 13th world champion, sat down for an engaging online interview to discuss the series, his experiences, and the future of chess.

Kasparov, although admitting he hadn’t watched the series yet due to the emotional weight of revisiting those matches, shared his insights on the human vs. machine competition. He reflected on the challenges he faced during the matches, including the technical issues with Deep Blue crashing multiple times and the psychological pressure of competing against a machine.

The interview delved into the intricacies of the matches, including key moments like the infamous move 37.Be4 and the controversial decisions made by IBM during the competition. Kasparov also touched on the parallels between his battles with Deep Blue and his earlier match against Anatoly Karpov, highlighting the systemic challenges he faced in both instances.

As the conversation shifted to the evolution of chess and the rise of Chess960, Kasparov expressed his support for innovative formats that bring freshness to the game. He emphasized the importance of preserving classical chess while embracing new trends to attract a wider audience.

Overall, the interview provided a fascinating glimpse into Kasparov’s mindset, his reflections on past matches, and his thoughts on the future of chess. With upcoming events like the 9LX tournament in St. Louis, Kasparov remains an influential figure in the chess world, advocating for collaboration between humans and machines in the pursuit of chess excellence.