Magnus Carlsen’s Absence at Take Take Take Launch: The Chess App’s Strategic Partnership with Lichess Explained

Magnus Carlsen’s Absence at Take Take Take Launch Raises Eyebrows Amid Chess.com Ties

In a surprising twist at the launch of the chess app Take Take Take, co-founded by world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, the five-time world champion was notably absent. This absence has sparked discussions about the complexities of his dual commitments in the chess world.

Launched in 2023 alongside Mats Andre Kristiansen, Take Take Take aims to revolutionize the chess experience by partnering with Lichess, a popular free and open-source platform. The collaboration is designed to enhance user engagement through a “play and learn” feature, allowing players to improve their skills while enjoying the game.

However, Carlsen’s absence from the app’s significant announcement raised questions. Kristiansen, the CEO of Take Take Take, explained to Reuters that Carlsen’s role as an ambassador for Chess.com creates a conflict of interest. This relationship with Chess.com, which acquired the Play Magnus group in 2022, limits Carlsen’s ability to promote his own venture.

“Because my co-founder and the biggest shareholder is Magnus Carlsen, and he is also an ambassador for Chess.com, there are limitations to how Magnus can then promote Take Take Take,” Kristiansen stated. “It’s not a great situation for either us or Magnus. I think for Magnus, it’s frustrating because he’s super excited about what we’re building.”

The Chess.com Dilemma

Chess.com, founded in 2007, has established itself as a dominant force in the online chess community. Kristiansen revealed that during his initial meeting with Chess.com CEO Erik Allebest, he was explicitly warned against entering the “play and learn” sector, which Chess.com currently monopolizes.

“My first meeting with Chess.com was in 2023… literally the first thing he ever said to me was, ‘never enter play and never enter learn. That’s ours,’” Kristiansen recalled. “I found that quite intimidating.”

Despite the challenges, Kristiansen emphasized that Take Take Take’s goal is not to dethrone Chess.com but to coexist and contribute positively to the chess ecosystem. “They are a great product and they’ve done a great amount of things for the chess ecosystem,” he acknowledged.

Respecting Agreements

Carlsen’s commitment to honoring his agreement with Chess.com is evident, as Kristiansen noted, “It’s hard to sort of silence Magnus Carlsen.” The chess community is left to wonder how this dynamic will play out as Take Take Take seeks to carve its niche in a competitive landscape.

As the chess world watches closely, the future of Take Take Take remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Magnus Carlsen’s influence in the chess realm continues to be a double-edged sword.