Chess computers are specialized machines designed to play the game of chess against human opponents or other computers. They use complex algorithms and vast databases of chess positions to evaluate moves and predict outcomes. These computers can analyze millions of positions per second, making them formidable opponents. The development of chess computers began in the mid-20th century, with early models like IBM's Deep Thought. The most famous achievement came in 1997 when IBM's Deep Blue defeated world champion Garry Kasparov, marking a significant milestone in artificial intelligence. Today, many players use chess software for training and analysis.