Viewed as a battle of wits rather than brawn, chess has always struggled to attract a mass audience, despite having over 600 million players worldwide—more than 360,000 of whom play competitively, according to the International Chess Federation.
Efforts are under way to bridge the gap between fans and the elite players, and one day turn the game into a mass spectator sport.
Hoping to enhance the viewing experience for fans, world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen teamed up with fellow Norwegian Mats Kristiansen to develop free chess app Take Take Take, which offers real-time in-depth analysis of moves for games at the top level.
Speaking to The Straits Times over Zoom, the digital platform's chief executive Kristiansen said: "Over the past 10 years, there's been a ton of innovation from websites in terms of how to learn chess, how to get better at chess and puzzles...
(But) I think we will raise the floor for the fans, and elevate them into more hardcore fans.
This story is from the November 30, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 30, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HUT TO ART IN ZIMBABWE
The golden rays of the afternoon sun enhance the bold, hand-painted patterns on the mud walls of a round, thatched hut in Ms Peggy Masuku's village of Matobo in south-western Zimbabwe.
Actress Son Ye-jin celebrates son's second birthday
South Korean actress Son Ye-jin may be busy filming her latest movie, but she took time out to celebrate her son's second birthday.
Menswear Dog' and social media star Bodhi dies at 15
NEW YORK - Bodhi, a Shiba Inu whose smartly tailored sport coats and luxurious knitwear helped make him the rare canine menswear influencer, has died. He was 15.
Love Actually director Richard Curtis makes first foray into animation
Two decades after scoring a surprise holiday season global hit with Love Actually (2003), British film-maker Richard Curtis is making a bid to repeat the trick with his first foray into animation.
K-pop group NewJeans leave label Ador over 'mistreatment'
SEOUL - Chart-topping K-pop group NewJeans announced on Nov 28 their decision to leave their label Ador, accusing the company of \"mistreatment\".
Design News King Living premieres plush home theatre sofas
Australian luxury furniture brand King Living has launched its King Cinema Premiere Recliner collection, designed to transform living rooms into an immersive home cinema.
Anniversary concert a celebration of budding young talent
A CELLO LIFE VOICE OF THE CELLO 10TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
Mayday promise to 'make it up' to fans
Lead singer Ashin says the Taiwanese rock band are committed to give back \"what was owed\" at their upcoming concerts here
Kia Carnival returns with new look, powertrain
The multi-seater is perkier than its predecessor despite having a smaller, more efficient engine
Porsche Macan 4 is punchy, comfy and city-friendly
The compact electric sport utility vehicle is also spacious and exceptionally stable at high speeds
