CES 2021 witnessed an inventive addition to the board game as chessboard makers Square Off ‘unrolled’ the world’s first rollable AI-enabled chess computer.
The portable chess computer is globally connected and enables players to test their mettle with the in-built AI opponent or other chess enthusiasts from across the globe.
The device is scheduled to be launched by March 2021. Along with the rollable device, two new flagship chess boards from Square Off - Square Off Neo and Square Off Swap – also shared the dais at the CES 2021 event. With these globally connected and automated boards, you can play off-screen with multiple games. There is a built-in coach as well to steer you through better moves!
AI in Chess
Artificial intelligence had made rapid progress in every possible field, and nonetheless in boardgames. If once AI challenged human intelligence, today it is a gentle ally in building up areas where computer intelligence is inevitable to make breakthroughs. Today researchers are focusing more on developing AI in domains where both humans and computers can be ‘equally active”.
Chess has been a model system for AI-based collaborations and experiments since the inception of artificial intelligence. We have witnessed AI-powered chess engines beating some of the best human players of all times since 2005. The enamouring world of chess has evolved since then, with the introduction of the Stockfish engine in 2008 and the AlphaZero engine in 2017 that is based on deep reinforcement learning.
The impact has been enormous. Today millions across the globe can access and play the game as AI keeps evolving and get better at the art of chess. This new shift has brought in radical AI-backed inventions that combine computer chess with human capabilities resulting in an extensive range of playing styles and skill levels.
To read more on the engaging history of AI v/s Chess click: Deep Thinking: When Machine Intelligence Invaded Chess
Square Off’s Tale of the Chess Boards
Square Off is where advanced software (and hardware) comes in a well-packed premium wooden board! The company that specialises in Smart Automated board games manufactures AI-backed chessboards.
Both the innovative chess boards from Square Off sport self-moving pieces that follow programmed instructions. While the Square Off Neo is more agile and affordable with a lighter body, Square Off Swap is not without its merits. It is the first-ever automated multi-board game that helps users play numerous games on the same platform. That would enable players to enjoy Halma, draughts, and Connect 4 on a single surface.
As per the company, the two inventive boards have managed to bring in an impressive USD 10,00,000 through global crowdfunding platforms. Both the products are intended to hit the market by the end of 2021.
In Square Off’s AI-backed set up, a physical chessboard that is connected to its app helps players to connect with anyone across the world. It is not necessary for your opponents to have the Square Off chessboard. All they need is the app on their Android or IOS platforms.
You can access the board and move the pieces around from anywhere in the world. This is accomplished by a robotic arm that runs the board. The robot which is fitted with an electromagnet and placed under the board attracts the pieces that are also fitted with electromagnets.
When you move the pieces on the app, your smartphone transmits the signal to the robotic arm through Bluetooth. The arm - fixed under the board - duly moves along, navigating the respective piece through the board. In short, whatever your opponent moves on the app will be replicated on your board. It would be a rather “spooky” yet exciting game as you watch the pieces gliding through the board as if steered by “invisible hands”.
Reviving the ways of the ancient board game, Square Off’s alliance with Lichess further ensures that one could connect with over 70 million chess players around the world.
AI apps to stimulate your chess brains
Among the AI-based apps for chess, a few favorites are DroidFish and Analyze This. Both are for Android platforms and powered by Stockfish, the open source engine. Analyze This is a favourite as it permits players to analyse any given position and re-enact moves using the chess engine. Though DroidFish is similar to Analyze This in many ways, in addition, it offers adjustable player strength and has a two-player mode. This helps you to play with other humans as well, other than with the chess engine.
For chess lovers on iPhone, there is SmallFish backed by Stockfish. It is a simple yet engaging app. For iOS also Stockfish team provides an app. Both apps from Stockfish provide engaging analysis techniques and are user-friendly.
Winding Up
As for children, they will make the most out of the game during their early days of learning under someone who can guide them ‘hands-on’ through the practical lessons and techniques. That’s where systematic learning under chess coaches or mentors gets significant. To ensure that your child receives the right guidance under expert hands who can mentor and mould them for future expeditions, call us at +9606847428.
At MindMentorz we train the young talents to be ready for advanced academic learning in chess and equip them for a better rating.