Air date: 2025-03-10

Runtime: 29 min

In the first of two heats, six talented players from across the UK arrive at Cardiff’s former coal exchange. They face a brain-boggling puzzle and a high-stakes speed chess battle.

Air date: 2025-03-17

Runtime: 29 min

The five remaining players from the first heat return to the Great Hall to battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals.

Air date: 2025-03-24

Runtime: 29 min

The four remaining players from the first heat return to the Great Hall to battle it out for a coveted place in the semi-finals. They are faced with a giant projection screen, and realise an innovative challenge awaits - a memory test set by world number one chess player Magnus Carlsen.

Air date: 2025-03-31

Runtime: 29 min

In the second heat, six new players face a gruelling game of speed chess and a puzzle called 'the raging rook', which allows the players to showcase their mastery of one of the most powerful pieces.

Air date: 2025-04-07

Runtime: 29 min

The five remaining players from the second heat return to the Great Hall to battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals.

Air date: 2025-04-14

Runtime: 29 min

The four remaining players from the second heat face a memory puzzle set by chess superstar and world number one Magnus Carlsen.

Air date: 2025-04-21

Runtime: 29 min

Six semi-finalists face child prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan in their toughest challenge yet.

Air date: 2025-04-28

Runtime: 29 min

The four finalists return for the last time to the Great Hall, ready to be put through their chess-playing paces like never before. Who will lift the winner’s trophy?