Researchers at IBM launched a billion-dollar project to develop a machine that could compete in the quiz show Jeopardy--and win. The machine faced off in a high-ratings match against two former champions, Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter. Journalist Stephen Baker carries readers on a captivating journey from the IBM labs to the showdown in Hollywood. The story features brilliant Ph.D.s, Hollywood moguls, knowledge-obsessed Jeopardy masters--and a very special collection of silicon and circuitry named Watson. It was a classic match of Man vs. Machine, not seen since the chess-playing computer Deep Blue bested the world's reigning grandmaster, Garry Kasparov. And Watson needed to do more than churn through chess moves or find a relevant Web page--it had to understand language, including puns and irony, and master everything from history and literature to science, arts, and entertainment.--Adapted from publisher description.

The germ of the Jeopardy machine -- And representing the humans-- -- Blue J is born -- Educating Blue J -- Watson's face -- Watson takes on humans -- AI -- A season of jitters -- Watson looks for work -- How to play the game -- The match.