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Chess
Aug 23, 2026
Before AI, there was the Mechanical Turk: The chess machine that wasn’t

The Mechanical Turk first appeared in 1770 as a chess-playing machine that astonished audiences across Europe and the Americas. It played Benjamin Franklin and Napoleon Bonaparte, but the secret was a skilled chess player hidden inside its cabinet. Despite widespread suspicion, the illusion endured for decades. Its story offers a striking reminder that the impression of an autonomous mind can hide the reality behind it.

Chess
Aug 21, 2026
Asian Junior Chess: Guru Prakash, Manav Kumar register major upset wins
Chess
Aug 20, 2026
Gave up IIT, slept on roads: How Rajasthan's 1st AGM put Udaipur on global chess map
Chess
Aug 18, 2026
Chess stars Divya, Vidit honoured with Arjuna Awards; AICF reacts

The All India Chess Federation congratulated Grandmasters Divya Deshmukh and Vidit Gujrathi on receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award. AICF president Nitin Narang praised their performances and contributions to Indian chess, while acknowledging their families and fans. Deshmukh’s honour caps a landmark year after her 2025 Women’s World Cup triumph, while Gujrathi continues to be among India’s leading chess players.

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