Chess Masters: The Endgame – BBC2’s Revival of Chess Programming
Chess Masters: The Endgame, BBC2’s first chess programme in half a century, has sparked comparisons with its intellectual neighbors and predecessors. The show, which airs on Monday evenings at 8pm, has replaced Only Connect and is sandwiched between the long-established Mastermind and University Challenge.
The show’s positioning has led to inevitable comparisons with The Master Game, which aired from 1975 to 1983 and showcased the world’s best grandmasters explaining their thought processes and move selections. While The Master Game peaked at 1.5 million viewers, Chess Masters: The Endgame has registered 890,000 for its first week and 710,000 for its second, despite some negative reviews.
Viewers enjoyed the second week more than the first, with challenging puzzles sparking discussions on chess websites. However, the presentation and technical editing have been criticized for overhyping the amateur contestants as "rising stars" when they are not. The future of the program hinges on maintaining viewership numbers.
The upcoming episode will feature six new contestants, including Kel, 39, from Bolton, who is an experienced player with the potential to win the competition. Viewers can follow the games on iPlayer with commentary by GM David Howell aimed at a serious chess audience.
For alternative viewing, BBC Four’s How to Win at Chess offers tips on improving your game. The program features appearances by GMs Raymond Keene and Daniel King, as well as a section on chess boxing.
In the world of competitive chess, Hikaru Nakamura recently won the $400,000 American Cup, defeating Fabiano Caruana. Nakamura’s victory comes amidst hints of retirement, showcasing his dominance in recent meetings.
Chess enthusiasts can also test their skills with Puzzle 2617, where White must find a winning move. The solution can be found here.
Overall, Chess Masters: The Endgame continues to intrigue viewers with its mix of competition and strategy, setting the stage for an exciting future in the world of chess programming.