The dark heart of modern chess

11 days ago

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Chess is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, driven by factors like the pandemic, 'The Queen's Gambit,' and online platforms like Chess.com and Twitch.
The game of chess is marred by issues like sexism, harassment, and misconduct, even at professional levels.
Internet culture has heavily influenced the way chess is played online, leading to rapid games, online abuse, and cheating concerns.
The chess community faces challenges related to cheating, with incidents involving players using computer programs, signals, and other deceptive methods to gain an advantage.
Chess clubs and events have seen a resurgence as well, with new venues catering to different demographics and blending chess with elements of nightlife.
Cheating in chess can ruin players' enjoyment of the game
Chess can be brutal for the ego as losing means you weren't good enough
Online chess can lead to distractions like worrying about Elo ratings
Chess can exacerbate negative behaviors like sexism, abuse, and elitism
Having a solid fundamental strategy in chess can lead to success despite lack of complex plans
Offline chess experiences can be more magical and enjoyable compared to online play

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