Why are Russians so good at Chess?

Whether you're headed to the ballpark or a movie theater this weekend, chances are you'll encounter one of our favorite snacks: melted cheese on a pile of tortilla chips. You know how delicious this is, but do you know how nachos were invented? Or what happened when an American b ... Show More

Turns out, the history of board games isn't as simple as passing Go and collecting $200. From the surprising way Abraham Lincoln's beard changed Milton Bradley's career, to the dramatic shift in Monopoly's political orientation, to the ancient Sumerian board game you can play onl ... Show More

Will thinks sleep is a waste of time. But will scientists ever find a way to let us survive without it? Why do we sometimes wake up feeling so groggy? And is it true that eating certain foods before bed leads to crazy dreams? Plus, our pal Simone Giertz stops by! This episode ori ... Show More

<p>Chess, one of history's oldest games, is considered a man's game -- but why? Cristen and Caroline examine how the queen piece revolutionized chess and subsequently kicked women players out of the sport.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.ihear ... Show More

Ah the checkered board of mental masterfulness... a place where your heart can lead you to a queen or was it a trap... a Queen's Gambit!!! That's right, this week your ever illustrious hosts, Tyler and Markiplier, dive pawn first into Chess! Was it invented by the Roman Empire? W ... Show More

For centuries, chess has challenged minds and inspired people across the globe. But where did this iconic board game begin, and how did it become the symbol of wit and competition it is today? Tonight, explore the fascinating history and evolution of chess, from Ancient India to ... Show More

We hear from Magnus Carlsen, who in 2014, became the first player ever to win all three world chess titles in one year, achieving the highest official rating of any player in history.Woman grandmaster, three times British champion and chess historian, Yao Lan is our guest. She ta ... Show More

Is chess a sport? Why is it so popular? How did it become a global game? Why is the queen the most powerful piece on the board? When playing with a computer on low difficulty, how does it know how to play a not so great move? Do men and women play in separate tournaments?   ... W ... Show More

<p>In this podcast we examine a recent argument for the view that chess is not, in fact, a game. We discuss the Grasshopper's claim that all games must have a prelusory goal, as well as Skepticus' objection to the giant Grasshopper concerning chess. We then turn to a broader anal ... Show More

Who will win the 2024 World Chess Championship between GM Ding Liren and GM Gukesh D? GM Jesse Kraai, IM David Pruess, and IM Kostya Kavutskiy discuss who will be the next World Chess Champion, the format for the match, and whether the match will be close or a blowout in today's ... Show More