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Im always up for a good puzzle game. I mean, there are only so many times I can carry the team in Zombie Army 4, or save the day in Forza Horizon 4, and sometimes its just nice to sit down, ease back on the throttle of life and try to solve some brain teasers. This leads me neatly onto the subject of a new puzzle game from Minimol Games. Going by the name of Knights Retreat, it promises to be chess, without being chess. It all sounds very zen to me, sort of like what is the sound of one hand clapping.

First off, the whole chess without chess thing is a bit of a misnomer. A better description would be chess without a chessboard, as there are various chess pieces featured in the game, and they all behave in the exact same way as they would do on a chess board. But there is no board. What there is instead are some concrete looking-slabs, one or more orangey slabs, which are the targets, and then the pieces.

Now, as the game is called Knights Retreat, you might imagine that the knights are to stand guard and let the queen get away, yeah? Well, not a bit of it. On each map, there is one (or possibly more) orange Knight pieces, and the goal of each level is to move the orange Knight to the orange square. Thats it. Now, the Knights move exactly as they do on a chess board, in a kind of horizontal or vertical L shape. What this means is you have to plan a route through the increasingly difficult levels and, just to add a little bit of spice, when you move an orange Knight, the square he was stood on is destroyed by arrows. This of course means no backtracking, so a few moments of planning before going all gung ho is a very good idea.

The orange Knights are not the only pieces that you have to contend with. There are Rooks, which can move in straight lines only, Bishops, who can move as many squares as you like, as long as they are diagonal, other Knights, and finally the Queen, who can move in any direction for any distance. Rearranging all the other pieces to allow the Knights to escape can get tricky, and with the addition of other mechanics like pressure plates that rearrange the ground that the pieces are stood on to get to grips with, it soon becomes very tricky indeed. Luckily, if you move one of the other pieces, the ground they were stood on stays intact thank heavens for small blessings.

There are 80 hand-crafted levels to go at here, split into four worlds, and while I said that I like to unwind with this type of game, it isnt too long before my brain starts to melt. Luckily, having played on the chess team in my primary school, the skills I learned all those years ago (37, if youre interested!) has stood me in good stead.

Graphically, Knights Retreat is simple, yet effective. The pieces are easy to identify, and the camera can be moved into almost any position you like, zoomed in and out to your hearts content. I find it easiest to plan a route while looking down almost vertically onto the board, almost like the classic chess games of yester-year, as this way its easy to plan the Knight moves out in your head. One slight caveat with this view is that it is hard to tell the difference between a Bishop and a Queen from overhead, but a quick attempt to move them will reveal which piece they are. A special mention has to go to the music too, which is wonderfully calming and adds to the whole relaxing vibe of the game, helping to bring the pulse rate down when you manage to maneuver yourself into a losing position.

So, does Knights Retreat on Xbox have what it takes to peel you off the ceiling after another round of Golf With Your Friends? Well, the short answer is yes. Its one of those games you can switch on for a few moments while you look to kill time, scratching off a couple of levels, and then coming back to it again later. It is quite gripping as well, with a real draw to keep playing. If youre looking for a game to tickle the little grey cells, you may just have found it with Knights Retreat. The only real complaint is that once youve nailed the 80 levels, thats about it; there isnt a score for each level, and so the urge to carry on playing once it is defeated just isnt there.

I'm always up for a good puzzle game. I mean, there are only so many times I can carry the team in Zombie Army 4, or save the day in Forza Horizon 4, and sometimes its just nice to sit down, ease back on the throttle of life and try to solve some brain teasers. This leads me neatly onto the subject of a new puzzle game from Minimol Games. Going by the name of Knight's Retreat, it promises to be chess, without being chess. It all sounds very zen to me, sort of like what is the sound of

Knights Retreat Review Chess but not!

Knights Retreat Review Chess but not!

2021-02-16

Paul Renshaw

TXH Score

3.5/5

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Knight's Retreat Review - Chess but not! - TheXboxHub

TEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IMPROVATE Israel-UAE-Southern European Cybersecurity Conference that took place by the end of last week presented advanced Israeli technologies in the field of cybersecurity, and also defense against circulation of fake news.

The keynote speaker at the conference was Garry Kasparov, a world chess champion, human rights activist and author, who is the founder of the Renew Democracy Initiative. Kasparov recently joined the Advisory Board of IMPROVATE, which connects technology and innovation companies and governments and new markets.

Kasparov spoke about a number of topics, including his involvement in the hit Netflix series, The Queen's Gambit, the connection between chess and artificial intelligence, human-machine collaboration, his involvement in the AI and cyber fields, and joining IMPROVATE's Advisory Board.

"IMPROVATE works to solve problems and I have been solving problems my entire life," Kasparov said. IMPROVATE's work connecting startups to governments is particularly critical at this point in history, he continued. "It's a very important to improve the global climate of innovations by helping startups to present their ideas straight to potential customers, to the top of the food chain, and I think it also helps governments to look through a new lens."

Talking about his involvement in the popular Netflix series, The Queen's Gambit, where he served as a consultant, Kasparov said: "I have to say the phenomenal success of this series was a big surprise and dramatically improved the image of the game of chess."

Irina Nevzlin, IMPROVATE Founder and Chair: IMPROVATE's mission is for governments to have access and the ability to implement amazing technological innovations created every day to make the lives of the citizens better. Cybersecurity was never more acute than during this crisis when the majority of people found themselves working from their home computers and with increasing amounts of cyber-attacks by foreign dictatorships and by other groups."

Story continues

Maj. Gen. (Res) Amos Gilead, Executive Director of the Institute for Policy and Strategy (IPS), IDC Herzliya, spoke of the importance of cyberspace in the modern battlefield. I cannot imagine any future war without cyber In order to win the next war, we need to be the best in three dimensions of cyber offensive, intelligence and defense."

Former Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev said that in many areas of cyber, Israel is the number one country in the world. "My message to Israeli companies is that there is so much demand for your product, so engage with us."

Senior UAE officials, bankers and investors who participated in the conference said there was massive potential for collaborations between Israel and the UAE in the cyber sector and beyond. Among the Emirati participants were Sheikha Hend Faisal Al Qasimi, an Emirati royal, businesswoman and philanthropist; Mohammed Mulla, Business Development Director at Emirates NBD; and Ayman Al-Awadhi, Group Managing Director, The Corporate Group.

IMPROVATE CEO Ronit Hasin Hochman said: "Israel is a cyber power and has a lot to offer the world. IMPROVATE is proud to promote Israeli companies that are the forefront of the cyber sector, and connect them with governments and businesses world-wide. I would like to welcome Garry Kasparov, a global authority on AI and cyber to the Advisory Board of IMPROVATE. Having Garry on board is major step forward to achieving IMPROVATE's goals in the sector."

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/garry-kasparov-at-improvate-cybersecurity-conference-is-talking-about-chess-ia-and-the-queens-gambit-301228770.html

SOURCE IMPROVATE

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Garry Kasparov at IMPROVATE Cybersecurity Conference is talking about Chess, IA and The Queen's Gambit - Yahoo Finance

CHESS is having a major moment, spurred on by the success of TV series The Queen's Gambit and our increased time at home.

It's a great life skill - and game - to pick up at any age. We've rounded up the best chess sets for all players below.

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There are lots of different kinds of chess sets to buy, whether you want something traditional, portable or even themed.

Chess sets can be functional and practical - as well as works of art, with some boards and pieces costing into the hundreds (and even thousands).

Newbies can find chess sets at affordable prices - often including checkers pieces, too - for under 20, which also have the advantage of being portable.

If you want your chess set to be a statement piece, look out for colourful boards, interesting materials (Lucite, anyone?) and unusual designs, like Umbra's Wobble Chess Set, which is a visual feast where the game pieces seem to interact as you play.

From wizards to Mario characters to Star Wars favourites, there are chess sets to appeal to everyone. Top tip: novelty sets are a great way to get kids interested in the game.

This article and featured products have been independently chosen by Sun journalists. It contains links which are ads, and if you click a link and buy a product we will earn revenue.

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This plastic chess set includes magnetic pieces which attach to the board to stay standing (bonus: reviewers say you can play this in the car as a result).

The portable design can be folded in half for easy travel and fans are impressed by the durability of this set, especially for the price.

The general consensus is that this makes a great starter set for chess newbies, who are less likely to knock pieces over thanks to the magnets, and who find it easier to learn with black and white pieces (as opposed to wood).

The pieces store away easily in the board-box, too.

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If you're despairing at your child's inability to separate themselves from a screen, then we'd recommend this Super-Mario themed chess game, featuring Mario's Heroes vs. Bowser's Troop.

Recommended for kids 7 and up, reviewers are impressed with the quality and design of the chess pieces (they're hand-painted), and insist kids like to play this version more than traditional chess.

Toy Story, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Fallout versions are also available.

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Yes, looks are absolutely allowed to influence your choice of a chess set.

This twist on the traditional chess set made from colourful Lucite allows for chess on one side, checkers on the other.

Ideal for game night with the family - and for brightening up a display shelf, too.

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Designed in collaboration with number 1 ranked chess player for nearly two decades, Garry Kasparov, this is another budget board - except this one has wooden pieces to appeal to traditionalists.

Fans rave about the quality and design, as well as the affordability of this set, which is sturdily built.

'My daughter wanted a chess set after watching The Queen's Gambit and we have been playing every day since.

'This wooden set is really nice and great value for money', writes one reviewer.

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Anyone worried that chess has a reputation that borders on 'boring' should check out Umbra's walnut and maple chess set, which is anything but.

The eye-catching design consists of a concave wobble board which makes the pieces seem as if they're in motion, interacting with each other as you play.

In addition to helping bring the game to life, the wobble board pieces are beautifully made, with spherical bottoms and plated chrome detailing.

It's a gorgeous statement piece for the home, too.

'I stumbled across this set by accident and knew I had to have one. It looks every bit as good as I hoped.

'Clearly high quality and beautifully designed. Each piece is like mini modern sculpture, as is the board with its wavy structure. Looks like a painstaking product to construct', writes one reviewer.

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This 32-piece chess set features a London skyline of architecture turned chess pieces, including Big Ben, The Shard and the London Eye.

Made from moulded acrylic, the pieces are double-weighted with felted bases, while the wooden board is cleverly designed to look like a London city map.

You'll also find New York (and New York vs London editions) available at John Lewis.

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If you like your chess with a side of history, then you'll enjoy this mini replica set of the 12th century Isle of Lewis chessmen, believed to have been crafted in Norway once upon a time and discovered in a chest on the Isle of Lewis in the 1830s.

This stunning set is made from crushed stone resin with heavy pieces, intricately carved with painstaking attention to detail.

The pieces fold nicely into the board for easy storage when not in use.

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This portable chess set contains a patterned canvas board and 32 silkscreened wooden pieces for chess and checkers fun.

Just zip the pieces in the pouch, roll up the board and take this beautiful chess set with you wherever you go.

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We've designedSun Selectsto help you to find the best products that won't break the bank.

Need some more game ideas? These board games are sure to be a hit.

Enjoyed our roundup of best chess sets? Then you might like our selection of eco-friendly toys for kids, too.

This article and featured products have been independently chosen by Sun journalists. It contains links which are ads, and if you click a link and buy a product we will earn revenue.

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Best chess sets 2021: Improve your memory and sharpen your mind with these chess sets - The Sun

Start playing chess now against the computer at various levels, from easy level one all the way up to master level. To start the game, simply click on the Start button and start playing the chess computer. When you set up your new game, you can also configure the time control, which means thinking time will also be limited.

Game status:During the ongoing game, the status "It's your move" will usually appear because the computer calculates its moves very quickly, and performs these moves on the chessboard immediately after your move. If the computer program beats you, or you put the computer program into checkmate with the white pieces, then you will see the message "Checkmate. White has won" and can then request a return match, or play another chess player (New Player).

Spectators and the chess database:We will also save your game in the chess database and it can be viewed or analyzed at any time by you or by other players. If a player is watching the game you are currently playing, he/she will appear as anonymous or as a user, displayed by the spectator logo.

If you would like to show or recommend your completed chess game to your friends or to interested chess players, simply copy the link provided at the top next to the star.

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Play chess against the computer from Level 1 to Master

Written by Olya Kaye

Playing chess simultaneously against 15 people was no easy feat. I admit, I was nervous. It was the fall of 2009 and I had not played much chess since 2001. My skills were rusty, but I was 25 and daring.

You only live once and what did I have to lose? I wanted to participate in the United Way Campaign, run annually by the place I worked at. So, I organized a chess simul to raise money for people in need.

Worst-case scenario would be to lose all my games, raise no money, become extremely embarrassed, and submit my resignation. The best-case scenario, on the other hand, would be for me to win all the games and raise lots of money. But, the event turned out to be much more prolific than I could have ever imagined!

After having won the Canadian Girls Chess Championship in 2001, I abandoned competitive chess to focus on my studies and career. Getting back into the game after such a long time was like learning to cross a road again. You look left and right, screening for cars and busses, and then boom! You get hit by an airplane!

In the weeks leading up to the simul, I joined a local chess club to brush off some dust. But to my horror, I was blundering left and right, Whoops, here goes my Queen. Whoops, I just missed a checkmate. Yikes!

Yes, getting back into chess after a long hiatus is no bike ride. It requires, first and foremost, courage to overcome your own ego. Will you be ok with embarrassing blunders? Will you tremble while playing far below the level you left chess at years ago? Will you give up to preserve the dignity of your past accomplishments?The moment I realized that my ego had very little power over my losses and embarrassing games, I had won my first psychological battle. The battle against my own fears and my burning dont-do-it demons. And thus, my chess prowess began to come back to me.

There was only one other problem: playing against 15 people at the same time is far different than playing against one person.

There was only one other problem: playing against 15 people at the same time is far different than playing against one person. It is a real burden on memory, focus, judgement, calculation, and quick thinking. It also hurts your legs after a couple of hoursespecially if you are a woman wearing heels. The simul is also a spectators game. Everyone is watching your every move. And in my case, being a woman, playing against all men doubled up the spectatorship and the pressure. Will she crack? my colleagues were wondering.

As 12 oclock rolled by the following day, I began my chess marathon. The room, where the event was taking place, was crowded with spectators who were my co-workers across the organization. There was lots of chatter and laughter as people were betting on their colleagues to see who would win. With my heart thumping and full of adrenaline, I began to maneuver in a circle across 15 chess boards set up in a U-shape, making one move at a time. My reputation and career were on the line. A few wrong moves and I would be temporarily unemployed, by choice.

As time went by, I started to win some games. The chatter was dying out, the room became emptier and everyone assumed a serious look on their face.

Thats when, for the first time, I really noticed the handsome man sitting at one of the chess boards. Each time I approached his board, John looked me in the eyes with a silent plea of dont be too hard on me, Olya. But his smile was something else. Did he see something in the position that I missed, while I was responding in haste? Was he bluffing? Its a trap!, I told myself, trying to keep my cool.

Normally, professional chess players do not display their emotions during chess games, contrary to what is shown in Netflixs "The Queens Gambit" series. But Johns smile was infectious. I would approach other chess boards wearing my poker face, but by the time I reached Johns board it would change to a smileI could not resist it.

John continued to make his romantic" moves on the chess board. First, he sacrificed his bishop, while getting nothing in return (oops!). Then, one of his knights fell, again without any compensation. But luckily for me, his charms did not distract me much during the game. Shortly after, I was able to break up the pawns that were hiding his king, exposing his Majesty to the deadly attack of my Queen and Bishop pair.

But then something strange happened: for the first (and only) time in my entire life, I did not feel like checkmating my opponent.

For the first (and only) time in my entire life, I did not feel like checkmatingmy opponent.

I didnt want to hurt this smiling mans feelings, or undermine his innocent way of playing chess. I decided to prolong this game just a tad bit longer and to discover what lay behind Johns mysterious smile.

As I approached other chess board to make my move, I took a quick peek at all of my opponents. They were all staring intensely at their chess boards, either scratching their heads, massaging their chins, or pulling on their eyebrows, deep in thought. All, but John who was gazing at me.I caught him! And I had my answer.

Checkmate, I told John, as I reached his board and he gave me the brightest and sincerest smile I have ever seen. I had no idea that while I thought I was conquering John on the chess board, I was apparently conquering his heart. When you smiled back at me, I knew I had to ask you out, he confided later.

The simul took several hours as there were a few fairly persistent players. I won 13 games and drew two. The event raised almost $4,000, and I got to keep my job! And if this wasnt amazing enough, I also met my future husband!

When the simul was over, I got back to my office desk to check my emails. From a hundred new ones, one of them stood out. It was from John: Great game, Olya. Wanna go grab a drink?

By that point, I started to realize what was happening and my heart skipped a beat in excitement. Johns charms started to work their magic on me, at last. And while I always avoided office romances, I decided I could keep a secret with this one, at least for a little while. After all, we worked in different teams and on different floors.

I replied to Johns email with: Yes, Id love to Followed by I do three years later. Weve been happily married ever since and even enjoyed a chess-themed wedding cake.

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How I Found Love Over The Chess Board - Chess.com