Xtreme Chess... Part 2
As many of you may have seen yesterday, I updated Chess.com (via a comment to my article here, and a forum thread here) that IM Greg Shahade's latest project -- Xtreme Chess -- had released it's second episode on YouTube. Watch it here real quick:
So, obviously my first posting on this project created lots of "mixed emotions" for our community, and the idea/approach itself generated all kinds of feedback... so, watcha think now?
In general, I am still in favor this idea for the many reasons I listed in my first blog and the comments that followed. I feel it has the potential to reach different demographics that may not otherwise be exposed to chess. It's an interesting take on our game, (even if a little flawed and exaggerated) -- but I don't think purists should be offended, but rather, supportive to see the idea get attention and maybe watch and see where it goes...
I wasn't as "surprised" this time around, so I don't think I got as excited about Xtreme Chess in this second video. I felt the commentary wasn't quite as good -- not bad, but a little repetitive -- BUT I liked the different angles they took with showing the player's lives.
I am excited to see where the storylines goes as players get eliminated 
...
Danny Rensch is an international master and Chief Chess Officer at Chess.com. After a successful scholastic chess career, Danny joined Chess.com as a co-founder in 2009. He directs the company's content, media partnerships, and professional chess events. Danny is an accomplished commentator and broadcaster, which he used to establish Chess.com's streaming and creator programs. He has channeled his lifelong passion for playing and teaching chess to advance Chess.com's mission of growing the game and helping people enjoy their lives through chess. With over 200 million registered users, Chess.com is the leading platform for playing and learning chess.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/danielrensch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannyrensch/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/danielrensch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielrensch
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Rensch
Company Address: P.O. Box 60400 Palo Alto, CA 94306
Company Phone: 1 (800) 318-2827
Read “Dark Squares,” Danny’s Highly Anticipated Memoir
Danny Rensch has released his highly anticipated memoir on September 16, 2025. Described as Educated meets The Queen’s Gambit, this powerful and deeply personal book dives into his upbringing in an abusive cult and how chess ended up saving his life.
