Duolingo, the app known for helping people learn languages, is now adding something new: chess!
The new chess course will teach players how to play using short and fun puzzles. For example, you might learn how to move a knight in its L-shape or checkmate a king stuck in the corner. You’ll also be able to play small games or full matches against Oscar, a Duolingo character who will guide you through the lessons like a coach.
Duolingo recently showed a quick demo of the course in a video call with The Verge, and it looks fun and easy to follow. Edwin Bodge, a product manager at Duolingo, said their goal is to make learning chess simple and open to everyone, no matter their skill level.
This is part of Duolingo’s plan to teach more than just languages. Chess will join other non-language courses like math and music. When asked if more games will be added, software engineer Sammi Siegel said there are no new plans yet — they want to see how the chess course goes first.
The chess course will start in beta and be available in English on iOS. PR director Monica Earle said more iOS users should get access in four to six weeks, and then the course will come to Android and other languages later.
