Garry Kasparov Launches New Chess Platform - Community First

Garry Kasparov Launches Kasparovchess, a New Platform for Chess Education

Four years prior, Garry Kasparov, a renowned chess grandmaster, was invited by MasterClass to develop and present a course. While he accepted, he encountered difficulties in crafting content that would resonate with a broad spectrum of players, describing the process as a continuous “struggle.”

Despite the class achieving reasonable success, Kasparov expressed some dissatisfaction with the need to simplify concepts and adhere to a rigid structure. Consequently, he is now introducing Kasparovchess, a platform that has been in development for several years.

A Platform Built by Chess Legends

Kasparovchess aims to provide a space where legendary chess players can freely share their expertise and insights with players of all skill levels. The company is backed by private investors and the media group Vivendi, though the total amount of funding secured has not been publicly disclosed.

The platform’s offerings include documentaries, podcasts, articles, and interviews featuring prominent figures within the chess world. To date, over 1,000 videos have been recorded for the platform, according to Kasparov. Furthermore, Kasparovchess will incorporate an exclusive Discord server and dedicated playing zones.

Differentiating from MasterClass

In essence, Kasparovchess represents a specialized version of his previous MasterClass experience, with a heightened emphasis on community engagement and content diversity. MasterClass, currently seeking funding at a valuation of $2.5 billion, has established itself as a leader in the “edutainment” sector, monetizing documentary-style learning experiences.

A key characteristic of MasterClass, as Kasparov noted, is its need to appeal to a wide audience, allowing subscribers to explore diverse subjects – from chess strategy to self-expression with RuPaul – encouraging prolonged subscription periods.

While MasterClass prioritizes its broad appeal, Kasparov perceives this as an opportunity to create a more focused and immersive learning environment.

Subscription Details and Competitive Landscape

Kasparovchess offers monthly subscriptions at $13.99 or annual subscriptions at $119.99. A majority of the expert lessons and retrospective game analyses are available to paying subscribers. The premium tier also provides access to a database of 50,000 manually curated puzzles designed to enhance specific skills.

The platform is scheduled for public release by the end of the current month. A significant competitor in the market is Chess.com, a chess server, forum, and networking site launched in 2005, which offers premium subscriptions ranging from $5 per month to $29 per year. Kasparovchess is positioned at a higher price point.

Focus on Community and Interactive Learning

Kasparov believes his platform’s primary advantage lies in its dedication to fostering a strong community. The long-term vision for Kasparovchess is to connect chess enthusiasts globally, identify emerging talent who may lack access to resources, and share his own extensive experiences.

He argues that the shift to remote education during the pandemic has highlighted the need for more interactive learning solutions, moving beyond mere promotional claims. “It’s time to actually switch from what we’re teaching to how students can apply it,” he stated, adding that chess has long been recognized as a catalyst for intelligence and creativity.

Kasparov’s Legacy and the “Queen’s Gambit” Effect

Kasparov achieved the distinction of becoming the youngest world chess champion in 1985. He retired from competitive chess in 2005 and subsequently established a foundation dedicated to providing chess access to children worldwide. He also served as an advisor for “Queen’s Gambit,” the Netflix limited series that became the platform’s most-watched scripted show.

The show’s immense popularity led to a surge in chess board sales, a development Kasparov welcomed. “I was so happy because it was the first time where we could see chess as a positive factor,” he explained, contrasting it with past perceptions of chess as potentially detrimental to psychological well-being.

A Vision for the Future of Chess Education

The positive reception to “Queen’s Gambit” and the growing trend of remote learning have bolstered Kasparov’s confidence in the timing of his platform’s launch. “It’s not just about teaching the game, or playing the game, or debating the game,” he emphasized.

Instead, he hopes that users will engage with the broader culture of chess, its enduring legacy, and its inherent, timeless appeal.