‘Have you ever used anal beads while playing chess?’
This ridiculous question was asked by Piers Morgan to chess wonder kid Hans Niemann who found himself caught up in a cheating scandal.
So begins the fascinating documentary ‘Chess Mates’ out now on Netflix.
For many, chess was seen as a game reserved for intellectuals and elites who operated in a rarified atmosphere. Covid changed everything, with millions of people competing online during lockdown with time on their hands.
You could play novices, Grand Masters or you watch your favourite players compete. It was here that the teenage Hans Niemann became an online chess star with his dramatic outburst and audacious moves.
Real credibility came with ‘over the table’ chess however, where players came face to face to see who would come out on top. Hans entered these tournaments and put together a string of victories that led to the door of Magnus Carlson.
The Norwegian superstar had dominated the chess world for over 10 years, so for the brash upstart Niemann it was the ultimate test and a chance to get star status himself.
It is only the start of the story to say that Niemann won their first encounter. The fall out from the win came with accusations from Magnus of cheating, revelations of previous dishonesty, law suits and a surprising twist.
This documentary has all the protagonists involved taking part including superstar Carlson, his dad, Grand Masters and the owners of chess.com who seem to have a vested interest in the fate of Niemann.
The star, or should I say arch villain Niemann steals the show however, coming across as arrogant yet vulnerable.
Is he a cheat or a victim of a chess world bent on protecting Magnus Carlson, its most valuable asset?
With a movie adaptation in the works the story looks to run and run.
Watch chess mates and make your own mind up.