Sue Perkins hosts this high-stakes chess contest, following 12 rising stars of the UK’s booming chess community as they battle it out to be crowned champion.
Producer: Katy Fryer
Self - Presenter
Self - Commentator
Self - Commentator
Twelve rising stars of the UK’s booming chess community battle it out.
8 episodes
In the first of two heats, six talented players from across the UK arrive at Cardiff’s former coal exchange. They face a brain-boggling puzzle and a high-stakes speed chess battle.
Runtime: 29 minThe five remaining players from the first heat return to the Great Hall to battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals.
Runtime: 29 minThe four remaining players from the first heat return to the Great Hall to battle it out for a coveted place in the semi-finals. They are faced with a giant projection screen, and realise an innovative challenge awaits - a memory test set by world number one chess player Magnus Carlsen.
Runtime: 29 minIn the second heat, six new players face a gruelling game of speed chess and a puzzle called 'the raging rook', which allows the players to showcase their mastery of one of the most powerful pieces.
Runtime: 29 minThe five remaining players from the second heat return to the Great Hall to battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals.
Runtime: 29 minThe four remaining players from the second heat face a memory puzzle set by chess superstar and world number one Magnus Carlsen.
Runtime: 29 minSix semi-finalists face child prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan in their toughest challenge yet.
Runtime: 29 minThe four finalists return for the last time to the Great Hall, ready to be put through their chess-playing paces like never before. Who will lift the winner’s trophy?
Runtime: 29 minTrailer