The Chess Pit

The guys moan about being plagiarised, but introduce the classic new game 'Chessplayer or Cheese', probably shortly to be stolen.

FIDE have embarrassed themselves and the game they purport to uphold, so the guys join in and embarrass themselves too.

The holy triumvirate are reunited for an episode which discusses wolves, a missing persons case, and world currencies. The lads also try to solve the possible oversaturation of elite chess.

Kanwal Bhatia has been part of the England Women's chess team since 2008 and has had a career in machine learning. Here she tells Phil about both and they thrash out some potential ways to develop the women's and girls' game.

How does the growing world of chess analytics compare to other sports, and should comparisons even be drawn? Thom Lawrence of StatsBomb joins us for a natter.

We're still on holiday! This week Phil talks to John Ashworth, CEO of Caplin Systems, about his adventures into the chess sponsorship world.

The boys are on holiday so this week Chris interviews Li Wu, who's part of the PokerStars online integrity team.

Classism is relevant to a lot of sports, the origins of which can often be murky. The guys brave the depths of such an important topic but also have fun establishing the top speed of a bear.

And Smith must score! (Smith didn't score.) The guys challenge the distinct lack of chess commentaries, while also libeling doctors and querying the significance of sitcom actors.

More thoroughly irresponsible conversation this week as Phil suggests Formula 1 drivers deliberately drive the wrong way, Jon dares to criticise Wycombe Wanderers, and Chris notates his online chess games by hand.

It's almost a serious episode this week, as the guys properly analyse adult chess improvement and the nuances within. May also contain raspberry coulis.

Chris decides he's had enough of chess and wants to learn shogi, Phil recounts his childhood in a warzone, and Jon is disparaging about Formula 1

Chess tournaments are dangerous. Everyone knows this. Find out how, as the guys put themselves in peril for your benefit and your benefit alone.

The boys visit space and pretend to be birds of prey. It's a long old way down to swoop upon the conversational gambits on offer this week...

Increments, the longest-running chess column, codebreaking, and how to teach kids appear this week. Some might say this is far too many topics for one episode, but the boys are brave souls.