The chess puzzle that proves we can outwit computers
IT’S not often you can say you’re more intelligent than a computer, but have a close look at this puzzle.
A leading scientist came up with the ‘simple’ chess problem to highlight how even the most sophisticated computer can be flummoxed by a puzzle that many humans can solve.
Sir Roger Penrose, an Oxford University professor who shared the World Prize in physics with Professor Stephen Hawking in 1988, is setting up the Penrose Institute to study the mysteries of the human mind.
The institute believes the human brain is superior to computers because it can use insight and intuition.
The problem pictured here has already beaten Fritz, an advanced computer used by grandmasters.
If asked to analyse which player will win, Fritz says Black, because it still has its queen, both rooks and – bizarrely – three bishops. The extra bishop can come about through the promotion of a pawn, which can be exchanged for a superior piece if it advances to the other side of the board. But, in fact, White can force a draw – and even win if Black makes a mistake.
The computer fails to see this because Black’s dominance means there are too many possible moves for it to analyse.
James Tagg, the inventor of the LCD touch screen who will lead the Penrose Institute, said: ‘This chess position is designed to show the difference between artificial intelligence and human intelligence and the nature of human understanding.
‘Most people look at the puzzle and instantly understand it. But for a computer, the puzzle requires an enormous number of calculations – far too many for even today’s supercomputer.’