Girl, 9, Could Be Youngest-Ever Chess Master

Even if you're a skilled chess player, chances are Carissa Yip will kick your butt. The 9-year-old can beat out 93% of those registered with the US Chess Federation, making her the youngest chess expert on record, reports CBS News. And with a 2,100 rating, the Massachusetts native stands a shot at becoming the youngest master chess player, too. She'll need a 2,200 rating to make it happen, but she's certainly got the intimidation factor—at less than 5 feet tall, mind you—as she can play with her back to the board and track plays in her head.

"Some never reach master level," says her father. "From expert to master, it's a huge jump." Yet he believes Carissa could get there in a year, which would put her miles ahead of US women's winner Irina Krush, who holds the record for reaching master level at age 12. But for Carissa, who could beat her father after only a year of playing, "it's not like the rating matters." She'll head to the World Youth Championships in December, but her highest goal is to one day win the overall championship—as the first female to do so. (More chess stories.)