Chess Does Not Speak For Itself

As always, opinions are my own, not those of Lichess.org. For a proper obituary, please see The Chess Mind. I apologize that I perpetuate chess politics even as such a kind soul has passed.

If you've been on Twitch or YouTube, chances are you've seen a hundred chess channels blaring music with a large camera shot, or stirring controversy or paranoia about cheating, or doing ASMR, or a thousand other things which entertainers have been known to do. But for Daniel, online chess was about teaching viewers as clearly and succinctly as possible as much as one could teach about the game. He didn't need anything other than his genuine passion and the skill of his craft which he carefully studied and practiced to captivate an audience.

I've written about chess monoculture before; how for each individual viewer or player, dealing with systemic problems is too much of a sacrifice. We gradually accept that things just are the way they are; we don't go around asking how streamers acquired license to play copyrighted music as long as we enjoy it, or whether swearing or accusing other players or a thousand other vulgar things are acceptable to us as a so-called global chess community. Daniel was a class act, even while his peers engaged in mudslinging he would always rise above it. (It goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway: as an amateur musician, I care about musicians' rights and people supporting their craft, just as we would support Danya practicing his craft.)

Chess needs a fourth estate who can speak to the integrity of the game. It's too much to ask any one person to bear the cross he bore. I've re-focused my efforts on shogi as I simply lack patience for antics of Chess.com partners and streamers who on occasion put entertainment ahead of ethics. And as the online shogi world slowly collapses I'll find new games to learn and to teach.

Thanks to Charlie for carefully explaining Danya's legacy.
https://youtu.be/t9DRB6nQ7Pc

The entire Lichess team is deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the untimely passing of GM Daniel Naroditsky.
Danya had a rare passion for chess and a rare gift for igniting that love for chess to all whom he inspired. Through his commentary, playing, and tireless efforts across all domains of chess, Danya won the hearts and minds of the chess community.
Chess has truly lost one of our brightest advocates for the game, taken well before his time at just 29. Our team's thoughts are with his family, friends and his many fans at this time.