The New Age of Chess

"Gukesh Dommaraju was drawn to chess instead of the athletic career his parents envisioned. His early victories, including the under-nine Asia championships, showcased his potential and led to family sacrifices for his training."

"Gukesh's training was distinct as his coach, Vishnu Prasanna, avoided computer chess engines for young players, allowing Gukesh to develop his skills organically before becoming a grand master at a young age."

"The rise of computers in chess has sparked debate about their impact on the game. While some feared a crisis for chess, the game has thrived, with increased accessibility and training opportunities through the internet."

Gukesh Dommaraju, a young chess prodigy from Chennai, India, was inspired by Viswanathan Anand and dreamed of becoming a world champion. His early success in chess led to significant sacrifices from his family. Uniquely, Gukesh's coach avoided using computer chess engines during his formative years, allowing him to develop his skills without reliance on technology. Despite the dominance of computers in chess, the game's popularity has increased, with the internet providing greater accessibility and training opportunities for players at all levels.

Read at The New Yorker