But Youssef recognizes one problem with that strategy.
"With a man like Kasparov, the guy doesn't make mistakes," he said. Edelman hopes that Harvard players can use the time constraints of the event to their advantage.
The rules of the exhibition give players two hours to complete all of their own moves. Because Kasparov will be split between eight matches, he will have an average of only 15 minutes to devote to each match.
"If we can keep games long and complicated, and get Kasparov low on time, we should do well," Edelman said.
The format of the competition suggests that someone on the Harvard side will win or draw, raising hopes among the Harvard players that they could come out of Saturday with the distinction of having beaten the world champion.
"If I win, I'm going to wallpaper my room with a picture of the final position, and them I'm going to spike my king," said Youssef.