In an attempt to pep up still another conservative opening against I.B.M.'s monster computer, Deep Blue, Garry Kasparov took a risk in the middle game yesterday. The world champion did get some advantage in mobility, but the machine knew how to put together a meticulous defense. When the situation looked threatening, Deep Blue ditched its extra pawn to gain freedom of action for its pieces. From one perspective, Kasparov did well to draw.
Computers are famous for the miracles they can perform with a one-pawn advantage.
But Kasparov surely did not see it that way. 48 Ra6 Draw Squirming in his chair and furrowing his brow, he was hoping to hoodwink the machine. But this hunk of hardware is proving stronger than it was a year ago when he first challenged it. The match is half over and he has not found a reliable way to tackle the complex inhuman opponent. Kasparov, in his second turn as White, again chose a highly positional opening, the English, to stay away from the machine's tactical strength.