David Levy
David Levy is a chess International Master whose work connects computer chess, conversational AI, and human-robot research. Born in London in 1945, he learned chess by age eight and discovered computers in his final university year. He bet in 1968 that no chess computer would beat him within ten years, then won in 1978 by defeating CHESS 4.7. He founded Philidor Press, led the ICGA, and managed conversational software work that won the Loebner Prize. His research examined artificial partners; as of October 2026, he is the founder and author of Love & Sex with Robots.
Timeline
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1945
Born in London
He is born in London in 1945, learns chess by age eight, and makes it his passion through high school and university. In his final university year, he discovers computers.
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1968–1978
A ten-year bet against computers
In 1968, he bets that no chess computer will beat him within ten years. In 1978, he wins by defeating CHESS 4.7.
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1975–1977
Founding Philidor Press
In 1975, he joins Kevin O’Connell to found Philidor Press. Their first involvement with a commercial chess program comes at the end of 1977.
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1986–2018
Leading the ICGA
From 1986 to 2018, he serves as ICGA president or vice-president, directs or organizes about 20 computer tournaments, and authors about 40 books. In 2002, he donates the Computer Olympiad to the ICCA to ensure its continuation.
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1994–1997
Conversational software and the Loebner Prize
From 1994 to 1997, he manages a team developing natural-language processing software, and the team wins the Loebner Prize for conversational software.
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2007
A thesis on artificial partners
In 2007, he defends a Ph.D. thesis titled Intimate Relationships with Artificial Partners. In Love and Sex with Robots, he examines human emotional relationships with computers and possible sexual relations.
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2024
Fifty years of computer chess
At the 2024 World Computer Chess Championship’s 50th-anniversary event, he gives a talk reflecting on his fifty years in computer chess.
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As of October 2026
Founder and author
As of October 2026, he is the founder and author of Love & Sex with Robots.
Most-cited works
Sources and credits
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