13,527 (55–75 minutes)
Genre(s): Science Fiction, Psychological Thriller
First published in 1962

⸻

The 64-Square Madhouse is a thrilling exploration of the battle between human intellect and artificial intelligence. The story follows Sandra Lea Grayling, a journalist who, despite knowing nothing about chess, is sent to cover a historic tournament where a supercomputer is competing against the world’s greatest grandmasters. As the tournament unfolds, tensions rise—not just between players, but between humanity and the machine itself. Can the players outthink the computer’s relentless calculations, or will this mark the beginning of machines surpassing human intellect? With humor, insight, and suspense, Leiber crafts a gripping narrative about psychology, strategy, and the nature of intelligence itself.