Until now, chess has tended to be discussed more about the Sicilian or King's Indian defense and about the pawn chain. But now suddenly there is talk of anal beads. What's going on there?

The chess world has been in a state of excitement for a few weeks. A veritable scandal has been shaking the brain teaser since the 19-year-old US talent Hans Niemann – ingeniously tousled hair, a lit look – beat world champion Magnus Carlsen, who has been reigning since 2013, at a tournament in St. Louis at the beginning of September. The player of the century Carlsen himself was probably the most surprised. For the 31-year-old Norwegian it was the first defeat after 53 wins in a row. Without a word, he withdrew from the tournament.

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