WSJ · 23 Sep, 15:00 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

AI Has Cracked the Most Diabolical Problems in Math. Why Can’t It Solve Chess?

Recent reports highlight a paradox in artificial intelligence capabilities: while algorithms have solved complex mathematical problems, they struggle with strategic games like chess.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Recent reports highlight a paradox in artificial intelligence capabilities: while algorithms have solved complex mathematical problems, they struggle with strategic games like chess. This distinction reveals that current AI excels at deterministic computation but faces limitations in navigating ambiguous, human-centric strategic environments. For professionals, this underscores that automation is not uniform. Tasks requiring precise calculation are increasingly automated, whereas roles demanding nuanced judgment, adaptability, and complex decision-making remain distinctly human. Understanding this boundary is crucial for career planning in an era where technological prowess does not equate to universal problem-solving ability.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This development signals that computational efficiency alone is no longer a unique professional advantage. You must pivot towards roles requiring strategic ambiguity and human judgment, as these areas resist full automation. Focus on developing critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills, which remain scarce despite AI advancements. Professionals in management, strategy, and creative fields should emphasise their ability to navigate uncertainty. Do not merely learn to use AI tools; learn to define the problems that AI cannot solve. Upskill in areas blending technical literacy with deep domain expertise. Your next step is to audit your current responsibilities: automate the calculable, but double down on the strategic. Cultivate skills that leverage AI for insight rather than just output, ensuring you remain indispensable in a landscape where technical precision is commoditised.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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