In April, Duolingo announced the addition of an unexpected new subject to its platform: chess. Known primarily for its gamified approach to language education, the company is broadening its educational focus by introducing a course that teaches chess to beginners. The announcement was made by CEO Luis von Ahn on X, where he described the course as a combination of strategy, logic, and playfulness.

AI Chess Games

According to a recent report from a16z, the decision to add chess has raised questions about the platform’s direction, but Duolingo’s leadership views it as a logical next step. Sammi Siegel, Staff Software Engineer at Duolingo, explained that the move aligns with the company’s mission to make high-quality education universally accessible. Siegel noted that chess is a natural fit because it promotes skills such as logic, pattern recognition, and strategic thinking—skills that complement those learned through language.

Duolingo Launches AI Chess Games

Duolingo’s Evolving Educational Model

The addition of a chess course is not Duolingo’s first departure from language learning. In 2023, the company introduced courses in math and music. These additions served as early indicators of Duolingo’s intent to expand its scope and test whether its signature approach—short, interactive lessons with a gamified interface—could work across various subjects.

Siegel, who led the development of the math course, said the team learned that Duolingo’s model could be applied effectively beyond language. The consistent goal, according to her, is to deliver educational content that feels intuitive, enjoyable, and manageable. Whether teaching users to read music, solve equations, or identify chess tactics, the platform aims to feel like a personal tutor accessible from any device.

Duolingo Launches AI Chess Games

AI-First Strategy for Course Development

Duolingo’s expansion into chess comes amid a broader strategic shift toward artificial intelligence. In a company-wide communication, von Ahn announced that Duolingo is positioning itself as an “AI-first” company. He compared the current focus on AI to the company’s earlier bet on mobile technology in 2012. One of the immediate results of this shift has been a sharp increase in the speed and scale of course development.

Recently, the company more than doubled the number of available language courses by releasing 148 new ones in a single update. This increase is largely attributed to the efficiency of AI-driven tools and workflows. Unlike the 12 years it took to create the first 100 courses, the latest batch was completed in just one year. Many of these courses are designed to support non-English speakers, particularly by providing access to widely spoken languages such as Japanese, Korean, and Mandarin.

Duolingo Launches AI Chess Games

Making Chess Accessible to All

The chess course is intended for beginners and focuses on helping users understand the basic rules of the game, recognize common strategies, and feel comfortable playing full matches. According to Siegel, Duolingo does not aim to prepare users for competitive tournaments at this stage. Instead, the objective is to make chess approachable and inclusive, especially for those who might feel intimidated by platforms geared toward more experienced players.

The course includes an adaptive AI component that responds to individual performance and adjusts lesson difficulty accordingly. Future plans involve more advanced AI features, such as personalized practice recommendations, scenario-based puzzles, and human-like bots offering real-time commentary. While competitive play is not currently included, Siegel noted that it may be considered once the foundational elements of the course are fully developed.

Duolingo Launches AI Chess Games

Social Media and Company Culture

Duolingo is also known for its distinct presence on social media, often employing humor and self-awareness to engage audiences. This approach has not only increased visibility but also played a role in shaping internal culture. Monica Earle, Director of PR, said that the company's online persona has had a positive impact on recruitment. Prospective employees often cite social media content as part of what drew them to the company.

Earle added that the company’s public-facing voice reflects an underlying cultural value: taking the mission seriously without taking itself too seriously. This balance has opened opportunities for partnerships and media engagement that may not have been possible with a more traditional approach to brand communication.

Looking Ahead: Duolingo’s Broader Ambitions

Duolingo’s introduction of a chess course signals a continuing effort to diversify its offerings and make various forms of education more accessible. The company's investment in AI technology and its expansion into new subjects such as music, math, and now chess indicate a long-term strategy focused on scalability and adaptability.

As Duolingo continues to evolve, the goal remains consistent: to provide high-quality, accessible education through a platform that prioritizes engagement and ease of use. Whether users are learning a new language, practicing arithmetic, or studying chess tactics, the company aims to support their progress with intuitive tools and thoughtful content design.