Shannon: Programming a Computer to Play Chess

Metadata

• Title: Programming a Computer to Play Chess

• Authors: Claude Shannon

• Publication Year: 1950

• Journal: Philosophical Magazine

• Full text download provided in the course 11.106

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the problem of constructing a computing routine or " program " for a modern general purpose computer which will enable it to play chess. Although perhaps of no practical importance, the question is of theoretical interest, and it is hoped that a satisfactory solution of this problem will act as a wedge in attacking other problems of a similar nature and of greater significance.