Series 1

(2025)
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Episodes 8

1 Episode 1

March 10, 2025

29m

In the first of two heats, six talented players from across the UK arrive at Cardiff’s former coal exchange. They face a brain-boggling puzzle and a high-stakes speed chess battle.

2 Episode 2

March 17, 2025

29m

The five remaining players from the first heat return to the Great Hall to battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals.

3 Episode 3

March 24, 2025

29m

The four remaining players from the first heat return to the Great Hall to battle it out for a coveted place in the semi-finals. They are faced with a giant projection screen, and realise an innovative challenge awaits - a memory test set by world number one chess player Magnus Carlsen.

4 Episode 4

March 31, 2025

29m

In the second heat, six new players face a gruelling game of speed chess and a puzzle called 'the raging rook', which allows the players to showcase their mastery of one of the most powerful pieces.

5 Episode 5

April 7, 2025

29m

The five remaining players from the second heat return to the Great Hall to battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals.

6 Episode 6

April 14, 2025

29m

The four remaining players from the second heat face a memory puzzle set by chess superstar and world number one Magnus Carlsen.

7 Episode 7

April 21, 2025

29m

Six semi-finalists face child prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan in their toughest challenge yet.

8 Episode 8

April 28, 2025

29m

The four finalists return for the last time to the Great Hall, ready to be put through their chess-playing paces like never before. Who will lift the winner’s trophy?

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