20 Years Later, Humans Still No Match For Computers On The Chessboard

World chess champion Magnes Carlsen (right) won't play his computer or play the game like a computer. Instead, he chooses his strategy based on what he knows about his opponent. World chess champion Magnes Carlsen (right) won't play his computer or play the game like a computer. Instead, he chooses his strategy based on what he knows about his opponent. Next month, there's a world chess championship match in New York City, and the two competitors, the assembled grandmasters, the budding chess prodigies, the older chess fans -- everyone paying attention -- will know this indisputable fact: A computer could win the match hands down. They've known as much for almost 20 years -- ever since May 11, 1997.