Duolingo is broadening its horizons, adding a chess course to its educational repertoire.
The language-learning app, known for its feisty owl mascot, launched an initial version of a chess course for English users with Apple devices on April 22. The course teaches users how to play chess, from how each piece moves to planning a winning strategy. The course is Duolingo’s first since its music and math courses were released in 2023.
Here’s what to know about Duolingo’s new chess course.
What does Duolingo’s chess course teach?
Duolingo’s new chess course starts at ground one, teaching users how each piece moves. Users will then learn how to spot tactical patterns and build a winning strategy, a news release states.
Most lessons will focus on solving short puzzles, which users can apply in “mini matches” or full games against the app’s in-game chess coach Oscar, described as a high school art teacher.
When will Duolingo’s chess course be available?
Duolingo released a limited beta version of its chess course on Tuesday, April 22. A Duolingo spokesperson told USA TODAY that the beta version was released to a “few thousand users.”
The full course will be available to English users with Apple devices in the coming weeks, the release states. Support for additional operating systems and languages is planned for the months ahead.
Is Duolingo’s chess course free?
Yes, Duolingo’s new chess course is free.
What is Duolingo?
Duolingo is a language-learning mobile app that uses game-like lessons to teach more than 40 languages, mathematics and music. The app, available on Apple and Android devices, launched in 2011.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to add new information.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chess course added to Duolingo’s education repertoire: How to access
