In his current chess match against "Fritz," Gary Kasperov has claimed that he's "playing for humanity." For this game, he "has to wear virtual reality glasses, and call out his moves, which are posted on a virtual board." Although it strikes me as unseemly to play on the the computer's terms, it's more Kasparov bravura. He has always projected his play into the mythological frame of man vs. machine.
Here's a bit of Kasparov from the past:
• "Chess is war; chess is all about testosterone-driven primal screams."
• "At the highest level, chess is a talent to control unrelated things. It is like controlling chaos."
• "Chess is a black and white jungle"
• "Everyone can define chess in their own way. But in the first place chess is sport, because what we are really interested in is the name of the winner. However, I think that ones desire to win is not productive, unless it is grounded by ones striving to fight and to create something beautiful. But on the other hand, one cant be constantly winning when occupied with creating masterpieces. With me, however, as long as I have a desire to seek something new and to play beautiful games, I continue to win."
So take off the glasses, Gary. Make Fritz play our game.
[Photo by Jennifer Altman]
Addendum: The match just ended hours ago, a draw in four games. "Can't you go faster, Biff? They're gainin' on us!"
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