The Chess Pyramid Treasure: Can You Find It?
Hello, dear readers!
As you can imagine, my last article about the Chess Prodigies Who Flopped was very research intensive. It was also a heavy topic, especially some of the stories. So, to bring some joy back to my blog, this time, I decided to come up with something lighter and easier to write, thus fulfilling a promise I made a few months ago to try and publish some more interactive texts.
Inspired by my good friend @JugadaBrillante's blog Squid Chess Game (check out his blog page if you like that sort of thing, he has many interactive posts), today I invite you on a dangerous adventure in search of a great and valuable chess treasure. Can you survive and find the ultimate prize? Or will you fail and be trapped inside the pyramid?
I hope you are as excited to play as I am to lead you on this journey!
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INTRODUCTION
You all know the famous 3 Pyramids of Giza, in Egypt: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Exploring their interiors and discovering the famous tombs of the pharaohs is a unique and enriching experience.
In the world of chess, although there are still no pyramids built in honour of a player, there are 3 legends who would certainly deserve this tribute. I'm talking about Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov, and Magnus Carlsen.
To begin your adventure, please choose who you think is the GOAT of our beloved game to decide which of the pyramids you will explore in search of the secret treasure!
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Your choice:
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BOBBY FISCHER
You have chosen the Fischer Pyramid.
After many minutes of walking through narrow and frightening passages that resemble a dark forest where 2+2 = 5 (Ouch! Wrong reference), you finally arrive at a small, cold chamber with two doors. Only one of them leads to the precious treasure, while the other leads to a dangerous path where the chance of escape is almost nil.
To decide which one to open, you are faced with the following position on a chessboard drawn on the wall:
Your mission is to choose the gate that contains the move that Bobby Fischer played to win his game against Boris Spassky in 1972. Choose carefully, there is no coming back!
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What do you play?
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GARRY KASPAROV
You have chosen the Kasparov Pyramid.
Walking through it is more terrifying than playing against him. The path is full of dark corners and the constant impression of being watched. The feeling is worse than Kasparov's opponents felt when playing positions where they should have already resigned. When you least expect it, a fork in the road appears.
Before deciding which path to take, you look up at the ceiling and see the following position on a chessboard painted on it:
Two possible next moves are shown. However, only one of them was played by Kasparov against Topalov in 1999 and will lead you to the treasure, while the other leads to almost certain death.
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What do you choose?
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MAGNUS CARLSEN
You have chosen the Carlsen Pyramid.
The path inside is messier than the initial position of a Freestyle chess game. Dead ends and small traps seem to be a constant along the way, but after much effort and several lost minutes, you finally reach the interior, a hall colder than Norway in winter.
Two stairs, one up and one down, are your options for moving forward. You have to decide which one to take based on the following position, which you can see on a board drawn on the ground:
The move that Carlsen played against Nepomniachtchi in 2021 will lead you down the right path, while on the other, a cruel fate awaits you.
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What is your move?
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21. f4
Well done! That was the right move. You have opened the gate that led you to the correct path! The lights begin to intensify, and you feel like approaching a place full of secrets.
After a few more minutes of walking through large and mysterious corridors, you come to a room decorated with ancient artifacts. Leaning against the main wall, you can see the bust of three chess players. On a plaque just below them is a question for you.
"Which of these players did Bobby Fischer beat 6-0 in the World Championship Candidates Matches in 1971?"
Pull the bust that corresponds to your answer, and the doors to the treasure will open for you!
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What is your ultimate choice?
C) Bent Larsen
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21. Qb3
I have bad news! That was not the move that Fischer played, and unfortunately you have opened the wrong door! Now your chances of finding the big treasure are gone, and all you can do is hope to find the exit.
The stench is unbearable, the ground full of rats. After much suffering, you finally discover a small ancient tomb.
There are 3 keys and 3 door locks with pictures of players on them. One key opens a door to the exit, another opens an endless maze, and the third activates a trap.
Select the one with the image of a player who gave up his place in the 1971 Candidates and allowed Fischer to play.
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Who do you pick?
B) Oscar Panno
C) Pal Benko
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29. Qc7
Wrong! Kasparov would never play this! Now you can forget about finding the treasure and are on a dangerous mission. All you can hope for is to get out of there alive. Although you cannot see anything, you can touch the walls to guess where to go.
Only after more than an hour, you find a small chamber with 3 closed doors. Above each door is a number. You have to decide which one will lead you to the exit. The other two will either lead you down the wrong path or activate a trap that kills you instantly.
Make sure you choose the door corresponding to the year Kasparov founded the PCA (Professional Chess Association).
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Which one do you open?
A) 1992
B) 1993
C) 1994
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29. Ra7
That's right! You have passed the first obstacle and are continuing your journey in search of the great treasure. Slowly, the corridors seem to be getting wider and a little brighter, giving you hope that the goal is not far away.
Suddenly, as you turn a corner on your way, you see that the path has become a real maze, with several different options to follow. Fortunately, there is also a table with three books on it.
Each of them contains a detailed map that will lead you to 3 different destinations. So, you have to decide which one to trust based on which of these books was written by Garry Kasparov.
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The map in which book will you follow?
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40. Nxe4
Perfect! You have chosen the right move and continue your journey in search of the great treasure. The environment is getting warmer and more pleasant to walk in. Your optimism is rising, but there is still a long way to go.
After a 15-minute walk, you find a shelf with 3 trophies on it. Touching each of them will open secret passages that will allow you to continue. The problem is, which one to choose?
You notice that the trophies resemble those of the World Chess Championship, and that above each of them there is a picture of a player. Perhaps the correct choice is one associated with someone whom Carlsen defeated to become world champion.
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Which trophy do you touch?
B) Anish Giri
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40. Rdc2
No! What made you think that Carlsen would play that? The path you chose is completely dark, and you had to light a torch. Your chances of finding the treasure are gone, so just try to survive and find the exit now.
After getting rid of some cockroaches and cobwebs along the way, you finally become hopeful when you see 3 different tunnels. Above each of them is the word "Exit" next to a picture of a player. But who is telling the truth?
On the wall is a question written in stone, so faded by time that you can barely decipher it:
"Against which of these players did Carlsen win the World Championship in 2018?"
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Which tunnel are you going into?
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TRAGIC DEATH
Oh no, this is your second wrong answer in a row! The pyramid gave you a chance to redeem yourself, and you have failed miserably again! Unfortunately, the universe never gives us a third chance. A large stone has come out of a secret opening in the wall and rolled over your body, crushing every bone. Better luck next time, mate!
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SLOW DEATH
Ouch! You took the wrong path and got lost in a giant underground labyrinth. Everything was dark and scary, and you could not find your way out or back. After several days, you starved to death on a long and painful journey. No wonder. After all, giving two wrong answers in a row is something the chess gods will never forgive.
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TIGRAN PETROSIAN
You have pulled the only bust that you couldn’t! Petrosian was beaten by Fischer in 1971, but by 6.5-2.5, not 6-0. I'm afraid you will have to settle for a consolation prize now.
As you keep walking along the opened path, you finally find the way out. But before going, you see two small numbered boxes in front of the door.
Above them is a piece of paper that says you can take one and leave the other behind. To decide, answer the following question:
"You found your way out through the Petrosian route. Let the chess gods know if you like his defensive style of play. No -> Box #1. Yes -> Box #2!"
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What is your answer?
• I don't really like it and appreciate more aggressive players like Tal or Kasparov.
• I thoroughly enjoy it! A good player must build a solid defense before he can attack recklessly!
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MARK TAIMANOV
You got it right! Taimanov lost to Fischer 6-0 in the quarterfinals of the Candidates Tournament in July 1971. The doors to the Treasury have opened for you!
However, instead of celebrating, you’re disappointed to see that the place is completely empty. The only abnormal things are two trapdoors on the floor. You try to open them, but they're locked.
Suddenly, a deep, terrifying voice echoes through the walls:
“It's useless to use force! To unlock the right one, you must answer one last question. Thank the chess gods, and the treasure will be yours. Otherwise, all you'll be left with is a consolation prize.”
After a few seconds, the question is asked:
"Taimanov created a famous line in the Sicilian Defense. What do you think of the Sicilian?"
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Your answer:
• I love it! One of my favorite defenses to play!
• Not bad, but I prefer the French or 1. e5
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BENT LARSEN
Correct answer! Bent Larsen lost 6-0 to Bobby Fischer in the semi-finals of the Candidates Tournament in July 1971. You opened the door to the secret Treasure Room.
But don't celebrate too soon. You still have to prove to the pyramid that you are a real chess player and a noble person. There are two chests inside, both containing different prizes. You can only open one, otherwise, the whole structure will collapse on top of you.
To decide, you read a papyrus with the following question:
"What would you do if you were a professional player and lost a match to Fischer 6-0?"
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These are the answers written on the lid of each chest. Which one will you open?
• I'd carry on playing chess. After all, it was the GOAT that defeated me. Nothing to be ashamed of.
• I'd immediately retire from professional chess and hide in a cave forever.
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PAL BENKO
Good! You have just escaped death and taken the path that leads to the exit! You can breathe a sigh of relief as you see the light at the end of the tunnel.
However, after a few more steps, you see a sign: "The chess gods have one more test to make before you go".
A large stone door falls from the ceiling, completely blocking the passage. On it, you will find a question and two loose stones that you can push, with the possible answers.
"You took the Pal Benko Road, so we need to know if your soul is like his. If you qualified for the Candidates Tournament, would you also let a stronger player take your place for $2000.00?"
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Give your answer:
• Yes! That's a lot of money, and I would lose all my games anyway. Let Fischer play!
• Never! The spot is mine and nobody else's!
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1993
That's right! Kasparov founded the PCA in 1993, after many disagreements with FIDE, and organised his own World Championship matches, the first of which took place in the same year against English GM Nigel Short. You have just escaped death!
As you continue, looking for a way out of the pyramid, you see a huge exit door and two sarcophaguses blocking the passage. The only way to get through is to open one of them and find a key that will unlock your freedom. But there is also the risk that there is a mummy inside.
The first one has the inscription <1993 and the second is marked >1993. You assume that the hidden secret is to open the one corresponding to your year of birth. So, let the chess gods know:
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Were you born before or after 1993?
• I was born before (or in) 1993.
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HOW LIFE IMITATES CHESS
Good choice! The book How Life Imitates Chess was written by Garry Kasparov and published in October 2007, in which he uses his experience in chess as an analogy for how to be successful in real life.
After following the map, you finally arrive at the door where the treasure is locked. But there is one last trick: to open it, you have to pull a rope from the ceiling. Depending on which you choose, the prize inside can be different. What do you do?
I know a chess blogger who has already read this book and may be able to help you. She is from New Zealand and writes some very silly stuff. If you know her, let the chess gods know:
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Do you like this blogger?
• No! She is dumb and ridiculous! (Pull the rope on the left)
• Yes! I love her! (Pull the rope on the right)
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MY GREAT PREDECESSORS
Correct! The five-volume My Great Predecessors book series was written by Kasparov, with the first part published in 2003, in which he talks about the legendary players who preceded him as official world champions.
Following the map, you eventually find two holes in the ground. Now you have to choose which one to dig to find your treasure. Only one of them will contain some prizes, while the other will leave you empty-handed.
To help you decide, you open the book again and start leafing through it, looking for a new clue. On the last page you read the following question:
"Follow your heart and sincerely tell the chess gods who your favorite Kasparov predecessor is. If Capablanca, dig the hole on the left. If Mikhail Tal, dig the right one".
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Which of these predecessors is your favorite?
• José Raul Capablanca, the master of the endgame!
• Mikhail Tal, the brilliant attacker!
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MY 60 MEMORABLE GAMES
No! What made you think this book was written by Kasparov? My 60 Memorable Games was actually written by Robert James Fischer. What many people don't know is that it was published in 1969, which means that many of his great games from the World Championship cycle are not included.
The map you follow does not lead to the treasure room. Well, not all bad news, at least it will lead you to the exit. When you finally find it, there is a guard watching the gate and he will stop you to ask you something. Depending on your answer, he might not let you out.
"I see what you have in your hands, but let me ask you an important question. Have you ever read a chess book in your life?"
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Be honest:
• Hm, no. I like chess, but studying books is not my thing.
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VISWANATHAN ANAND
Good job! Anand was beaten by Carlsen in both 2013 and 2014. However, he is still considered a legend by his fans, especially his countrymen, as he is the first Indian to be crowned World Chess Champion.
The doors to the next chamber open before you. But your mission seems to be far from complete. There are two more doors inside, and the correct treasure is behind one of them, while the other will lead you to the exit empty-handed.
A papyrus between them asks the ultimate question and will test not your chess knowledge, but your heart.
"The current world champion Gukesh is Indian. Do you think he would have done it if it wasn't for his idol, Anand?"
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What do you think?
• He wouldn't! Anand's inspiration and mentorship were crucial.
• I think so. Anand is a legend, but Gukesh would be able to do it on his own merits.
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ANISH GIRI
Wrong answer! Although Anish Giri is a very strong GM, he has never played against Magnus Carlsen in a World Championship match. Unfortunately, you now have no chance of finding the great treasure.
But think positive, at least you have found your way out. So, you will probably escape death and survive this great adventure. Approaching the exit, you see that there are two possible paths out of there.
Unsure if one of them is a trap, you see a sign right at the fork with a question for you. The two possible answers indicate which way to go.
"If you were in a completely lost position against Anish Giri, would you offer him a draw?"
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Choose your way:
• No! I have respect for the game and the great player he is. I prefer to lose nobly!
• Yes, of course! He loves drawing games and will certainly accept the offer!
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SERGEY KARJAKIN
Nice! You are correct! Carlsen won the 2016 World Chess Championship match against Sergey Karjakin. They were tied after 12 games, but Magnus played better in the rapid tie-breaks and secured the title!
You are now standing in front of the door that leads to the treasure chamber. However, this door is magical, and the prize inside can vary depending on your chess opinions.
I am not sure if you know this, but when Karjakin became a GM in 2003 at the age of 12, he was the youngest GM in history. This record now belongs to Abhimanyu Mishra, but may soon be broken by Argentinian prodigy Faustino Oro, one of the strongest prospects in chess today. So, answer honestly:
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Do you think Faustino will become the youngest GM in history?
• No. He is good, but I think that is too hard for him.
• Yes! I believe in his potential!
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FABIANO CARUANA
Phew! What a relief! You chose the right tunnel and are now on your way to the exit. Very nice! But all is not well yet. Suddenly, you come to a dead end, and there are only two holes in the wall to get you out of the pyramid.
Unsure which one to jump into, you notice a small envelope between them, so fancy that it could be used to send a wedding invitation to your friends. You remember, sadly, that according to what Caruana told the Botez sisters, Magnus Carlsen never invited him to his.
You open it and read the following question:
"Would you invite Fabiano Caruana to your wedding? If yes, jump in the left hole, if not, jump in the right hole".
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Would you invite him?
• Of course! His presence would be such an honour!
• No! I barely know him, and he seems boring at parties!
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YOUR TREASURE
Unfortunately, you didn't find the great treasure, but hey! At least you survived and found the exit, so be happy about that. You deserve a consolation prize: The score sheet torn by Christopher Yoo in the 2024 US Championship. I am not sure if it will be of any use to you, but it is better than going home empty-handed, right?
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YOUR TREASURE
The great treasure has not been found, and you have failed! But not everything is bad news. At least you did not die inside and found your way out. That's something to be proud of! Not to let you go home without anything, you won a voucher entitling you to free cheating chess lessons with none other than Hans Niemann. Congratulations!
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YOUR TREASURE
Good job! You have successfully completed all the puzzles and given all the correct answers! Your prize is the legendary Golden Chessboard, which allows its owner to always play the most perfect move. You can choose whether to melt it down and sell the gold or use it to defeat any opponent. I'm pretty sure you'll prefer the second option, right?
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YOUR TREASURE
Oh, not the most accurate choice! Unfortunately, you didn’t find the biggest treasure you were looking for. But don't worry, your performance was great, and just outside the pyramid, you've found the Botez Sisters waiting for you. They’re impressed with your bravery and have invited you to appear on some live streams with them and show the world your chess talent!
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YOUR TREASURE
Unfortunately, this was not the decision that led you to the great treasure! So close! However, you can still profit from this adventure, as the path you chose took you to the jeans worn by Carlsen in the 2024 World Rapid Championship, a highly coveted item for any chess fan. I hope the size fits you. Take good care of them!
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YOUR TREASURE
Yay, congratulations! You have found the greatest and most incredible treasure! This magic potion bestows on those who drink it all the chess knowledge accumulated in history by mankind, supercomputers, and even aliens. You have entered the pyramid as a failure and will leave it as the next world champion and future GOAT. Just please don't share it with anyone!
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YOUR TREASURE
Okay, you may not have found the prize you were aiming for, but look on the bright side: at least you survived the adventure and will not go home empty-handed. I say this because your bravery caught the attention of Dommaraju Gukesh, and he gave you the honor of taking a selfie with him. Not what you wanted, but it's better than nothing!
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YOUR TREASURE
You may not have won the prize you wanted, but instead of lamenting, I have good news! Although this was not the main goal, you escaped and impressed many with your courage. Among them was Vladimir Kramnik, who, convinced that someone so brave could not be a cheater, gave you his anti-cheating seal of approval, an honour that very few can achieve!
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CONCLUSION
I hope you survived your adventure! Please let me know what happened to you and what treasure you found at the end, if any.
These Choose Your Own Adventure articles are a lot of fun to write and create, so I hope you enjoyed reading them as well. Some interaction with the readers is always interesting, and I try to bring different types of blogs sometimes to vary the content.
For the curious souls, the whole text has 30 possible storylines. You have a 33.3% chance of dying and a 66.67% chance of surviving. However, the chance of getting a really valuable treasure, i.e., the golden chessboard or the magic potion, is only 20%.
If you are interested, send me a private message, and I can show you the full diagram of the story. It is confusing but cool.
Thanks for reading/playing, and see you at the end of the month!
