Host Scott Conant welcomes six of the world's most prestigious and talented chefs to the House of Knives arena. The chefs create dishes using a signature ingredient in hopes of impressing Culinary Council judges Marcus Samuelsson and Judy Joo to become the very first ruler of the game and avoid banishment. One contender's shocking strategy proves that culinary expertise alone won't keep you safe in the House of Knives.

With a new ruler sitting on the throne, the contenders realize the importance of having a solid strategy. The chefs are challenged with creating layered dishes in hopes of earning control of the game. In an effort to stand out, one contender takes a sweet risk but runs into a slew of problems. The winning chef makes a strategic decision while Ruler Burrell and her challenger fight for the throne over shrimp. Her challenger makes a very bold move in hopes of becoming the ruler, shocking the entire arena. But will it pay off?

In the first battle, the chefs are tasked with creating cold dishes, and one contender is confident about getting on the throne but nearly burns down the House of Knives instead. The Culinary Council is wowed by the level of cooking but gives control of the game to a chef who successfully elevates a humble classic into something new and exciting. However, that chef makes a shocking decision that proves how important strategy is in this game. The battle for the throne is fought over chicken and gives one contender a chance for revenge.

In a surprise twist, one chef will be banished at the end of the contender battle, setting up a potential double elimination. The intensity is sky high as the chefs create handheld dishes for their survival in the game. One contender confidently makes a signature dish while another races against the clock and risks serving the Culinary Council undercooked meat. The banished chef exits the arena and makes a stunning career announcement, and one contender becomes the first to willingly challenge the ruler for the throne.

A new culinary powerhouse enters the House of Knives arena hoping her Southern flair gets her onto the throne. The chefs create noodle dishes in the contender battle, and one competitor takes a risk and ventures outside her comfort zone. Two chefs hope unexpected dishes will get them a shot at the throne while another makes a critical mistake. In a highly anticipated matchup between two of the strongest chefs, the battle for the throne is fought over mushrooms.

The chefs are ordered to create brunch dishes and wow the judges with their innovative plates. The fierce battle for the throne is fought over clams.

A formidable new contender enters the game, and the chefs face their most difficult contender challenge yet: surf and turf.

The final contenders compete, and one chef is selected to challenge the ruler head-to-head for the culinary crown and the $100,000 prize.