Human vs. AI: Shin Jin-seo to Face KataGo in 2-Stone Handicap Match 10 Years Later

A showdown on the Go board between the world's top professional player and artificial intelligence has been arranged for the first time in 10 years.

The Korea Baduk Association announced today (July 1) that Shin Jin-seo 9-dan will compete in a three-game series against the Go AI KataGo, with a two-stone handicap.

Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the historic match between Lee Sedol 9-dan and AlphaGo, the first game is scheduled for July 17, followed by the second and third games on July 19 and 21.

While Lee Sedol faced AlphaGo in an even game without a handicap during the Google DeepMind Challenge Match a decade ago, this series will be played with a two-stone handicap to account for the dramatic advancements in AI performance.

"It is currently impossible to beat artificial intelligence in an even game, but I believe it is meaningful if I can narrow the gap," Shin said. "As the representative of humanity, I will do my best to win."

KataGo, the Go AI program challenged by Shin, is an open-source program that currently boasts the highest level of skill and is the most widely used Go AI globally since AlphaGo.

Shin will be given a time limit of 5 hours with one 30-second overtime period, while KataGo will have no time limit but must make every move within 20 seconds.

Shin will receive a match fee of 50 million won per game, totaling 150 million won, with an additional bonus of 50 million won for each win.

If he secures two or more wins, he will also be awarded a Genesis G90 sedan.

(Photo: Courtesy of Korea Baduk Association, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.