Duolingo, the app best known for helping people learn languages like Spanish and French, is branching out into something new: chess. The popular learning platform will soon offer a course designed to teach users the basics of the game, using the same fun, short-lesson style it’s known for.
The new course will include puzzles that help players practice key moves, like learning how a knight moves in its L-shape or figuring out how to checkmate a king trapped in the corner of the board. Students will also be able to play mini-matches or full games against Duolingo’s character Oscar, who acts as a coach and guide throughout the lessons.
Chess is the latest addition to Duolingo’s lineup of non-language subjects, which already includes music and math. With this new course, Duolingo hopes to make learning chess as easy and engaging as learning a new language.
Chess is available to beta testers, and the full release is slated to occur in a few months.