For the first quarter-century of progress in computer chess, computers were clearly inferior. For the last five years, they have been battling on a relatively even footing with the top players, and the two combatants will probably remain fairly equal for the next several years. But the day is not too far off when the best players will no longer be serious competition. Computers will simply consider too many possibilities and set up positions that are too complex for mere mortals to cope with. They certainly will improve some.
Children now have chess programs available that play at the master level.
They serve as outstanding sparring partners and teachers. In the past, it was a rare occasion for a beginner to have an opportunity to compete with a master, but now anyone can do so. Further, just as athletes seem to breed athletes, chess players tend to breed chess players. However, when compared to the rapid improvement by computers, man's progress will be slow and modest. There are limitations on the information processing capabilities of the human mind that cannot change overnight.