BBC2’s new half-hour programme Chess Masters: The Endgame (Mondays at 8pm) is in an intellectual spotlight, sandwiched between Mastermind and University Challenge. Its first episode (of eight) last week has already sparked a lively debate between those who consider it a dumbed-down approach and others who regard it as a praiseworthy attempt to bring the game to a new audience.
Even the television critics were divided. The Guardian called it “so dull it’s almost unwatchable”, but the Telegraph praised it as “quietly compelling”, while the Times said it had a “wholesome nerdy charm”.
Its viewing figures for last week’s first episode were 890,000, against a 1.7mn average for the Monday 8pm slot, previously occupied by Only Connect. Mastermind, which preceded it, had 1.6mn, so the numbers for this evening’s second episode will be an important indicator.
Those who disliked the programme claim that the moves were hard to follow, and that the players and presenter were too hyped up, while its advocates argued that the series, aimed at novices, will lead to an influx of new chess club members
What do FT chess readers think? If you viewed last week’s episode or plan to watch this evening, let us know in the comments section below.
The English Chess Federation has an interactive map with the location of your nearest chess club, while here are the links for details of chess clubs in Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
Half a century ago, The Master Game was also launched on BBC2 and continued for eight years. The then world champion Anatoly Karpov competed twice, winning once and then losing to England’s Tony Miles. Ingenious editing made it possible for the players to appear to commentate during the actual games. Its peak audience of 1.5mn occurred in 1975, in an era when there was a much more limited viewing choice.
The Master Game was a brilliant and original concept, and, irrespective of the fate of its BBC2 replacement, could merit a revival if the current chess boom continues.
Meanwhile, the game in England is preparing for harder times. The £500,000 DCMS grant for elite chess, launched by Rishi Sunak in 2023, runs out on 31 March and will not be renewed due to government department cutbacks.
This is a serious blow for the ECF, and will affect both the national team and rising talents. Its final beneficiaries will be the English participants in the European Women’s Championship starting in Rhodes on March 30, who include the England No 1 Lan Yao, 24, and the prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan, 10.
Before that, the European Individual Championship is in progress at the Romanian Black Sea resort of Eforie Nord, where England’s youngest grandmaster Shreyas Royal, 16, drew in round two against Armenia’s No 4 seed. To follow the game move by move, click on the menu and scroll down to Replay. Mode. Fast or slow is your choice.
Puzzle 2616
Casper Liu vs Gawain Jones, Titled Tuesday 2023. Black to move and win.
Click here for solution
