Introduction:
If you’ve been paying attention to the world of chess recently, you’ve likely heard the name Magnus Carlsen mentioned quite a bit. The Norwegian grandmaster is widely considered to be one of the greatest chess players of all time, and his dominance of the game has made him a household name even beyond the world of chess enthusiasts.
One reason for Carlsen’s rise to fame has been the increasing popularity of online chess. With the COVID-19 pandemic restricting in-person events, chess tournaments have moved online, and this has allowed players from all over the world to compete against one another without the need for physical travel.
But online chess isn’t just a temporary solution due to the pandemic – it’s here to stay. In recent years, online chess platforms like lichess.org have exploded in popularity, and the Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit” has introduced the game to a whole new audience. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the rise of online chess and what it means for the future of the game.
The Popularity of Online Chess:
The move to online chess has been a game-changer for the sport. Not only has it allowed players to compete from the comfort of their own homes, but it has also made it easier for fans to follow tournaments and matches in real-time.
One platform that has seen a huge surge in popularity is lichess.org. This free, open-source website allows players to create accounts, play games, and join tournaments with ease. It has a user-friendly interface and a robust community of players, and it’s no surprise that it’s become one of the go-to destinations for online chess.
But it’s not just casual players that have embraced online chess. Even top-level grandmasters like Magnus Carlsen have taken to playing online. In fact, Carlsen has won several online tournaments and has even set a new world record for the most simultaneous chess games played online at once.
The Impact of ‘The Queen’s Gambit’:
While online chess has been growing in popularity for some time, it reached a whole new level of mainstream attention with the release of the Netflix series “The Queen’s Gambit.” Based on the novel of the same name, the show follows the journey of a young girl named Beth Harmon as she becomes a top-level chess player in the 1950s and 60s.
Not only has “The Queen’s Gambit” been a critical and commercial success, but it has also sparked a newfound interest in chess among audiences. According to Google, searches for “how to play chess” surged after the show’s release, and sales of chess sets have reportedly skyrocketed.
This renewed interest in the game has led to an increase in online chess activity as well. Many people are turning to platforms like lichess.org to learn and play the game, and it’s likely that this trend will continue as more people discover the joys of chess.
Conclusion:
The rise of online chess has been a major development for the sport, and it’s clear that it’s here to stay. Whether you’re a seasoned grandmaster or a beginner looking to learn the game, there are now more opportunities than ever to play and improve your skills online. And with the popularity of shows like “The Queen’s Gambit,” it’s likely that even more people will discover the timeless appeal of chess.