Chess.com, the online chess titan, has quietly launched a poker site named Gambit, offering a risk-free learning environment for players. Albert Cheng, Chess.com’s chief growth officer, explains that poker’s social and learning elements, similar to chess, make it a natural fit. The site borrows Chess.com’s design and includes various play modes, such as bot matches and tournaments. A rating system serves as the main motivation for players to improve, with subscriptions providing access to premium features.

Chess.com is setting its sights on even more classic games, including go, backgammon, and mahjong. AI has played a significant role in helping the small team develop Gambit, allowing for faster and more efficient coding. However, AI struggles with brand and feature design, suggesting a balanced approach is necessary.

As Chess.com expands, it’s focusing on games with both classic durability and a strong community, such as chess itself. The launch of Gambit Cup on Twitch and YouTube signals a move towards fostering a community and getting content creators involved.