After nearly 20 years of specializing in a single domain, Chess.com is branching out. The online chess giant has officially introduced Gambit, its first companion site dedicated to poker. Launched quietly in beta last May, Gambit is a free-to-play platform designed for players to learn and enjoy poker without the risks associated with real-money gambling.
AI as a Development Catalyst
Albert Cheng, Chess.com’s Chief Growth Officer, revealed that AI was instrumental in bringing Gambit to life with a skeleton crew. A two-person team managed to move from prototype to launch within a single year, utilizing AI primarily for coding tasks. According to Cheng, the technology acted as a "superpower," allowing the team to interpret Chess.com's existing codebase and apply consistent design patterns to the new platform rapidly.
- Gambit features an Elo-style rating system to motivate player improvement.
- The site includes familiar modes such as bot matches, tournaments, and game reviews.
- A subscription model will provide access to premium learning tools and unlimited puzzles.
Future Moves: Go, Backgammon, and Mahjong
Poker is merely the first step in a broader strategy. Chess.com plans to expand into other classic games, including Go, backgammon, and mahjong, using the same development playbook. Cheng noted that the company is focusing on games with "classic durability" and strong community elements. To mark its expansion, Gambit will host its first livestreamed event, the Gambit Cup, on August 31st, featuring co-founder Danny Rensch and creator Alexandra Botez.
