Get Ready to Master Chess with Duolingo!

Duolingo is set to unveil an exhilarating addition to its platform—an interactive chess course that promises to turn beginners into budding grandmasters!

This innovative course will feature engaging puzzles, enabling players to practice essential moves, like the knight's famous L-shape. You'll even get to checkmate a king trapped in a corner—perfect for grasping the game's tactics!

Adding a fun twist, learners will have the opportunity to compete in "mini-matches" or full games against Duolingo's charming mascot, Oscar, acting as your personal coach throughout your chess journey.

During a recent demo, I got a sneak peek of this exciting new feature, and it looks like a blast! Edwin Bodge, Duolingo's group product manager, emphasized their mission: making chess as accessible as possible. No matter your skill level, there are lessons tailored just for you!

But chess isn’t the only non-language topic joining the Duolingo family—think along the lines of music and math! When I inquired about the possibility of more game-themed courses in the future, staff software engineer Sammi Siegel teased, "We’re keeping our options open. Let’s see how this launch plays out first!"

Currently, the chess course is entering beta testing on iOS in English. Monica Earle, Duolingo’s PR director, anticipates a wider rollout within the next four to six weeks, followed by an Android version and additional languages. Stay tuned—your chess skills are about to get a major upgrade!