Untold: Chess Mates review – inside the anal beads rumours that rocked a sport
The ugly side of chess is pored over in this Netflix documentary, looking at how lurid online gossip led to a lawsuit, conspiracy theories and a bitter rivalry. Sadly, there’s little new here ‘Every conversation I have about chess”, says Hans Niemann, “leads to anal beads.” In any other context that might seem something of a non-sequitur. But in the context of Niemann, it makes a lot of sense. For the uninitiated, Niemann was the chess prodigy accused in 2022 of cheating against world champion Magnus Carlsen – some said by using a vibrating sex toy to direct his play, leading him to a shock (pun intended) victory. As ridiculous as it sounds – the sort of thing that would be laughed out of the Black Mirror writers’ room – the theory gained ground online, and in the press. This Netflix one-off draws heavily on archive footage ridiculing the incident, featuring everyone from Piers Morgan to Trevor Noah, who quips that, with anal beads, “even if you lose, you still kinda win”. Continue reading...
The documentary "Untold: Chess Mates" delves into the darker corners of the chess world, revealing how a bizarre scandal involving online gossip, conspiracy theories, and a bitter rivalry has left its mark on the sport. The film centers around Hans Niemann, the chess prodigy who was accused in 2022 of cheating against world champion Magnus Carlsen. The accusations were particularly lurid, with some suggesting that Niemann used a vibrating sex toy, or "anal beads," to direct his play, leading to his shocking victory.
Niemann's story is one that has captivated the public, turning the world of chess into a battleground of rumors and speculation. In the documentary, Niemann reflects on the impact of the scandal, saying, "Every conversation I have about chess leads to anal beads." While this might seem like an odd non-sequitur in any other context, it underscores the pervasive nature of the rumors that have followed him.
The accusations against Niemann began in 2022 when he defeated Carlsen in a high-profile chess match. The victory was seen as a major upset, and some in the chess community began to question whether Niemann had used an unfair advantage. The theory about the anal beads gained traction online, sparking a wave of conspiracy theories and public scrutiny.
The documentary highlights the absurdity of the situation, featuring archival footage of prominent figures like Piers Morgan and Trevor Noah mocking the idea of using anal beads to cheat. Trevor Noah quips, "With anal beads, even if you lose, you still kinda win," illustrating the lighthearted yet critical response to the scandal.
"Untold: Chess Mates" does not shy away from the controversy, exploring the ways in which the scandal has impacted the sport and its participants. The film shows how the accusations have led to a lawsuit, with Niemann suing chess commentator and streamer David Pritchard for defamation. Pritchard had accused Niemann of cheating using the anal beads theory.
The documentary also examines the bitter rivalry that has developed between Niemann and Carlsen. The two players' clash has become a focal point of the chess world, with fans and experts alike divided over whether Niemann is a cheating prodigy or an innocent victim of online harassment.
The film raises important questions about the role of technology and the internet in sports, as well as the potential for misinformation to spread and influence public opinion. It also touches on the psychological toll that such a high-profile scandal can take on an individual, particularly someone as young as Niemann, who was just 19 when the accusations began.
"Untold: Chess Mates" is a compelling exploration of the darker side of chess, revealing how a single scandal can shake the foundations of a seemingly orderly and intellectual sport. While the documentary does not offer definitive answers to the questions surrounding Niemann's alleged cheating, it does provide a fascinating insight into the power of rumor and the impact it can have on an individual's life and career.
In the end, the film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of sensationalism and the need for critical thinking in an age of easy access to information. It also highlights the resilience of individuals like Niemann, who have been forced to navigate the stormy waters of public scrutiny and online trolling.
As the documentary draws to a close, it leaves viewers to ponder the nature of chess itself, a game that has long been seen as a symbol of intellectual prowess and strategic thinking. The scandal surrounding Niemann and Carlsen has challenged this perception, reminding us that even the most cerebral of pursuits can be tainted by the messiness of human behavior and the chaos of the modern digital age.
