Since the 18th century, people have been fascinated by the idea of machines that could play chess against humans. With the advent of the digital electronic computer in the mid-20th century, that dream finally became feasible. What followed was six decades ...

Ever since he beat the greatest chess player who ever lived, Hans Niemann has been called a cheat. The 19-year-old’s surprising victory over Magnus Carlsen in St. Louis on September 4 led to accusations that he’d been taking cues from a chess-playing ...