When you hear the word Viking, you probably think of fierce warriors who raided and pillaged across Europe.

Its not often that people associate Vikings with playing games. So it might surprise you to know that they played a version of chess for more than 1000 years.

These chess-like games were known as Tafl games and they were once popular in medieval Scandinavia.

Tafl games are sometimes known as Viking Chess, but they are quite different from regular chess (you know, the one with the black and white squares on the board).

Oh, and just to confuse things a little more:there is also a Swedish yard game called Kubb, which is also sometimes referred to as Viking Chessbut more on that one later!

Tafl games (also known as Hnefatafl) are played on a square board with a grid of squares, and the goal is to capture your opponents pieces or get your king piece to safety.

The king piece is located in the centre of the board, and the other pieces are placed around it.

The game is played by moving pieces across the board and capturing the opponents piece by surrounding it on two sides.

Viking Chess has a long history. It can be traced back to as early as the 4th century, although it gained popularity towards the end of the 8th century.

These games were played throughout the Viking era and remained popular throughout the Middle Ages.

Compared to regular chess, Viking Chess is relatively unknown. While the rules of regular chess have remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years, the rules of Hnefatafl have varied throughout history, and many different versions of the game exist.

Nonetheless, the game has remained a popular pastime for centuries, and its still played today by enthusiasts who appreciate its unique challenges.

There have been many archaeological finds related to Hnefatafl, providing insight into the games history and evolution.

These discoveries have helped researchers and enthusiasts gain a deeper understanding of how the game was played, as well as its significance in Viking and medieval culture.

The 9th-century Gokstad ship game board is one of the most significant archaeological finds related to Hnefatafl.

Although the board itself lacks clear markings that would identify it as a Tafl board, its shape and dimensions suggest that it could have been used to play the game.

Another example is the Ballinderry board. Unlike the Gokstad ship board, the Ballinderry board is unmistakably Tafl.

It was discovered in Ireland in 1932 and features clear markings that indicate it was used to play Hnefatafl.

The discoveries of the Gokstad ship board and the Ballinderry board are significant because they provide tangible evidence of the games popularity among Vikings.

These finds support the view that Hnefatafl was a much-loved and widely played game during the Viking era and beyond.

Vikings developed games that are similar to chess, but they didnt invent chess itself.

Chess is believed to have originated in India around the 6th century, and it was then introduced to other cultures and regions, including the Islamic world and Europe.

While the Vikings certainly had an interest in games and strategy and may have adapted and developed their own unique board games, they did not invent the game of chess as we know it today.

A Hnefetafl game board is a square with a grid of 1111 squares, with the centre square being the throne of the king.

The king is placed in the centre of the board, surrounded by his defenders in a cross formation, with the attackers placed on the four sides of the board.

The game is played between two players: one playing the defenders, and the other playing the attackers. The objective of the game is for the attackers to capture the king, while the defenders aim to protect the king and help him escape.

The attacker gets to move first and then the two players alternate turns. Each piece moves like a rook in chess, horizontally or vertically, and captures the opposing pieces by surrounding them on two opposite sides.

The king is a special piece, and his movements are limited. He can only move one square in any direction, and he must be surrounded on all four sides to be captured.

However, the king can also capture the attackers by making a move that surrounds them on two opposite sides.

The objective of the attackers is to capture the king by surrounding him on all four sides, while the defenders must protect the king and prevent him from being captured.

The basic strategy for the attackers is to coordinate their movements to surround the king, while the defenders must try to create a barrier around the king to prevent the attackers from getting to him.

There are several variations of Hnefatafl, with different board sizes and numbers of pieces. Some variations allow the king to escape to any edge square, while others require him to reach a specific corner square.

Hnefatafl may seem complicated at first, but once the basic rules and strategies are understood, it can be an enjoyable and challenging game.

It requires careful planning and strategic thinking, and can be played by people of all ages and skill levels.

Whether youre playing as the attackers or defenders, with a little strategy and some luck, you can win at Viking Chess. Here are some top tips to help you win.

Attackers

Defenders

Both sides

When people refer to Viking Chess, they are usually referring to Hnefatafl, but there were actually many different versions of Tafl games played throughout the Viking era.

One such version of Tafl is Alea evangelii, also known as the game of gospels.

This game was played on a board consisting of 1818 cells, and while the manuscript describes the boards layout as a religious allegory, it is clear that it belongs to the Tafl family of games.

Tablut is unique among Tafl games in that it was still played in the 18th century, and possibly even the late 19th century.

A 99 mat of embroidered reindeer skin was used to play the game, with the defending pieces known as Swedes and the attacking pieces as Muscovites.

However, the original rules have been subject to errors in translation, leading to confusion in attempts to reconstruct other historic Tafl games based on the Tablut rules.

Ard R, meaning High King in Gaelic, is a Scottish tafl game played on a 77 board with one king and eight defenders against sixteen attackers. It is the least documented of all known Tafl variations.

According to one commonly accepted rule, the king can escape to any edge square instead of just a corner square, which provides an unbeatable advantage to the defending side.

So this rule means that the king is always able to escape and the defender always wins!

Tawlbwrdd is a Welsh Tafl variant that features eight pieces on the kings side and 16 on the attackers side. The rules of the game were derived from an incomplete account by Robert ap Ifan, along with a manuscript dating back to 1587.

To complete the game, Tablut rules were also incorporated. The Tawlbwrdd was played on an 1111 board, with 12 pieces for the kings side and 24 pieces for the opponents side.

Modern versions of Hnefatafl have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, many of these versions are based on inaccurate translations of historical documents.

While traditional Hnefatafl sets can be difficult to find, modern versions of the game have become more readily available in recent years.

A quick search on Amazon will bring up a variety of Hnefatafl games to choose from, ranging from simple travel sets to more elaborate versions costing over $200.

So, whether youre a seasoned player or just getting started, finding a Hnefatafl set to suit your needs has never been easier.

Kubb, also known as throwing logs, is an ancient Viking game that remains a popular pastime in Sweden.

Today, Kubb is enjoyed by families and students all over Sweden, particularly during midsummer and when the weather is warm enough to drink beer and barbecue in the park. (For more on the games played at Midsummer, see our Midsummer guide!)

Kubb has also gained popularity in other countries, with variations of the game being played in the United States, Germany, and other parts of Europe.

Each year, the Kubb World Championship is held in Gotland, Sweden, attracting players from all over the world.

First, lets set up the playing field. Youll need a flat, grassy playing area and some wooden blocks, or kubbs. Place five kubbs in a line at each end of the field, with the king standing tall in the middle.

Next, its time to get your batons. Each team gets six batons, and the game aims to knock down all the kubbs on the opposing teams side, and then the king.

Teams take turns throwing batons, and the game can get seriously competitive! But dont worry, its all good-natured fun.

To win, you need to use your batons wisely and strategically. Knock down the kubbs on the opponents side, but dont forget to protect your own kubbs, too.

And if youre wondering where to buy a Kubb set, fear not! You can find them on Amazon, such as this essential Kubb set. So grab some friends, head outside, and let the Kubb games begin!

See also:Viking runesViking name generatorViking tattoos and their inspirations

Read more from the original source:

Viking Chess: Kubb and Hnefatafl explained - Routes North

The Buffalo Bills needed another pass catcher for quarterback Josh Allen, but the run on wide receivers from picks No. 20 through 24 left them with few options.

But as it got closer to the Bills selection at pick No. 27, general manager Brandon Beane knew he couldnt sit around and wait for tight Dalton Kincaid the top-ranked pass catcher left on the board to fall in his lap. Instead, he got aggressive.

"That's when we started making calls to the teams in front of us," Beane said Monday on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "For us, it was worth giving up that pick to ensure we got him."

Beane traded the No. 27 pick plus an additional fourth-rounder to the Jacksonville Jaguars for pick No. 25, leapfrogging the Dallas Cowboys at No. 26 to land the 6-foot-4 Utah tight end.

Beane stated he had a good feeling the Cowboys would have taken Kincaid had he not beaten them to the punch.

See more here:

Bills GM played ultimate game of chess to land TE Dalton Kincaid - Yardbarker

Opportunities include memberships, summer camps and inaugural Corporate Chess Challenge to determine 'Indy's Smartest Company'

Michael Chapuran, executive director, Indy Chess

Chess is all about strategy and positioning and Indy Chess has made significant strides to nurture a new approach to a historic game, said Manasi Balagere, chairperson of Indy Chess. Hiring Michael Chapuran to lead Indy Chess makes all the difference. Michael brings a track record of success with philanthropic organizations, an economics background, coaching certification and a desire to improve players skills and ratings.

We also launched a fundraising campaign with $10,000 donated in just a few days, which is no small feat, she added. This will open up many new opportunities for us to expand our reach and impact in the Indianapolis area.

Indy Chess operations are funded primarily through an annual individual or family membership plan. Its menu of chess experiences includes weekly Tuesday student workshops and rated adult casual play as well as scholastic summer camps. Get information and sign up: bit.ly/INDYCHESS-SCHOLASTIC

In addition, the board is pleased to announce the inaugural Corporate Chess Challenge tournament on National Chess Day, Saturday, October 14 in downtown Indianapolis. Teams of four will compete for the prize of being "Indy's Smartest Company" all while raising money for scholastic programs at under-resourced schools. Get information: bit.ly/INDYCHESS-CHALLENGE

Its amazing we received 501(c)(3) status so early and it was essential to the legitimacy of our formation, said Chapuran. Nonprofit status signifies so much. It means that we can authentically fulfill our mission, receive tax-deductible donations and ensure that we are funded to enable scholarships and provide access to chess instruction to schools and children that otherwise might not have been able to afford it.

Chapuran was previously executive director of Family Promise of Greater Indianapolis, where he raised close to $5 million in seven years as leader to benefit the housing-focused nonprofit. In his free time, Chapuran tested the concept of organized chess through hosting a variety of chess competitions in the Indianapolis area through its previous affiliation, Naptown Gambit Chess Club. Chapuran is a United States Chess Federation-certified tournament director and coach.

Chess found a new audience during the pandemic, and it continues to boom right now, but it's all online, Chapuran said. While thats a great way to enjoy this activity, we want to make sure children are getting off their screens, connecting in person, and learning in ways only possible through traditional face-to-face play. As we provide instruction to them on how to do that, plus trophies to reward and incentivize progress, we think the future is going to be huge.

Led by Balagere as chair, Indy Chess' seven-person board seeks to promote the game of chess and its many benefits, including improved problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity. Board members also include Mandee Byers, Chapuran, Mike Dugdale, Gabe Hawkins, Greg Humrichouser and Tom Spalding.

The Indy Chess board represents an amazing group of diverse people who contribute different specialties chess enthusiasts, chess parents, and business leaders with specific talents who have come together to make sure this club has a bright future and engages everybody while respecting the values of trying to keep instruction affordable and accessible for all and inclusive of all, said Chapuran.

Chapuran added that Indy Chess is pleased to be running pro bono the inaugural IPS Chess Club Tourney & Celebration on Friday, May 19 at Broad Ripple High School. This first year, nine schools and more than 100 students are participating. IPS has a rich chess history, as Center for Inquiry 27 (then IPS 27), won the national championship in 1983 and visited the Oval Office. Indy Chess' executive director coaches at CFI 27 and restarted the club last fall.

Indy Chess is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to make the lessons that chess teaches accessible to all. Annual memberships are available at $45 for an individual and $65 for a family. For every two students that pay to attend camp, a scholarship is provided to another that can't afford to. Learn more at http://www.indychess.org

Thomas P SpaldingIndy Chess+1 317-656-7644email us hereVisit us on social media:FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Read more here:

Indy Chess Hires First Executive Director, Earns Nonprofit Status and Launches Events - EIN News

Modified May 02, 2023 15:05 GMT

Filipino superstar Danny Kingad knew Demetrious Johnson was good, but he didnt know to what extent until they squared off in October 2019.

Johnson and Kingad crossed paths in the final matchup of the ONE flyweight World Grand Prix, which took place in Tokyo, Japan at ONE: Century Part 1.

The Team Lakay representative was well-known for his striking capabilities, which Johnson tested early in the first round. However, it became obvious that while Kingad demonstrated great defensive technique, he had a hard time keeping the fight on its feet.

The takedown in the second round set the mood for what would happen next in the third and final round. As aforementioned, Kingad did well to scramble free and even attempt a submission of his own, but Johnsons techniques and athleticism dictated the pace of the fight.

After three exciting rounds, the American superstar captured the decision to claim the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Championship and a one-way ticket to a world title fight against the then-flyweight king, Adriano Moraes.

Demetrious Johnson, the now reigning ONE flyweight world champion, settles the score in a massive world title trilogy bout against Adriano Moraes, relive the technical chess match between Johnson vs. Kingad below:

ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III goes down on Friday, May 5 at the sold-out 1stBank Center in Colorado. Fans in Canada and the U.S. can watch the historic main event live and for free via Amazon Prime Video.

More here:

Relive the technical chess match between Demetrious Johnson and Danny Kingad - Sportskeeda

APM Blitz & Rapid chess tournament at City Mall North Town

By Lito delos ReyesPhilBoxing.comWed, 03 May 2023

THE APM Open, Junior and Kiddies Blitz & Rapid chess tournament will be held on May 6 and 7 at City Mall North Town in Cabantian, Davao City.

The Open Division will be played on May 6 while the Junior and Kiddies will collide on May 7.

The Junior must be born from 2003 to 2008 while Kiddies are born 2009 to 2020, said National Arbiter Alfred Moulic.

Games will start at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Blitz prizes will be announced at the venue after round 2. No pooling of cash prizes, said Moulic.

The Open Division champion will pocket P2,500 while the second will earn P1,000.

The 3rd will get P700, 4th for P500, 5th for P300, 6th t0 10th a P100 each.

The champion in the Junior and Kiddies will earn P1,500. The 2nd will get P1,000, 3rd P500, 4th P400, 5th P300, 6th to 10th for P100 each.

The first 60 participants will get a merienda, said Moulic.The champion and second placers in the Junior and Kiddies will also get a slot in the Kamatyas tournament in June 2023 in Koronadal City.

The event is organized by Megans Society Cabantian Alumni Chapter in coordination with Mindanao Chessmates, Barangay Cabantian and City Mall North Town.

Click here to view a list of other articles written by Lito delos Reyes.

See more here:

APM Blitz & Rapid chess tournament at City Mall North Town - PhilBoxing.com

Jonah Audu and MichelleChiamaka Nwankwo, at the weekend, emerged champions of the inaugural Eduline Chess Academy Primary and Secondary School Championships held at Fun Plex Resort, CMD Road, Magodo, Lagos.

The competition, which featured over 75 students, was supported by Cornerstone Believers Church.

Organiser of the event, Gabriel Airewele, said the Eduline Chess Academy tournament is aimed at grooming and exposing children to the game at the grassroots level, adding that it would be every month to sustain students interest in it.

Airewele said: The Eduline chess competition brought students from all over Lagos State to participate in the games.

Prizes were won under different categories, but the main champions, Michelle Chiamaka Nwankwo, who excelled in the Primary Schoolcategory and Jonah Audu, who won the secondary school category,gave a good account of themselves to emerge tops among other students at the event.

The competition is for students not older than 18 years.

The parent body, Eduline Learning Co., according to the organiser, is promoted by Airewele, a partner, Rocklegal Law Firm and Pastor Emmanuel Okonkwo, the senior pastor at Cornerstone Believers Church.

Airewele affirmed his commitment to youth development through chess, adding that to encourage the students, cash prizes, books and other gift items were given to participants at the end of the event.

Follow this link:

Audu, Nwankwo are inaugural Eduline academy chess champions - Guardian Nigeria

There are many angles to the wily old foxs well-timed announcement on Tuesday morning; but the one that stands out is this: those trying to weaken the NCP from the outside will now have to contend with a charged-up cadre

NCP chief Sharad Pawar with his nephew Ajit and other party leaders, at the launch of his autobiography on Tuesday. Pic/Shadab Khan

Sharad Pawar*s decision to step down from the Nationalist Congress Party*s leadership wasn*t taken in isolation. His wife Pratibha, daughter Supriya and nephew Ajit were kept in the loop, before taking an unexpected route, a non-political function such as a book release, to startle the first and second lines of leadership and the cadre.

Pawar had come fully prepared. He read from a written document, which was circulated in English as well, considering the national news value. Following protest and emotional outburst of leaders and party workers, Ajit told media persons that when the senior leaders met Sharad Pawar later in day, he sought two-three days to rethink about reconsidering his decision to resign. This calmed the youngsters who had sat in protest at Y B Chavan Centre.

Also Read: Maharashtra: The bombshell that shook rank-and-file

NCP leaders Supriya Sule, Ajit Pawar and others outside Y B Chavan Centre on Tuesday. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

What happens if Pawar withdraws his resignation?Well, nothing will change for the party, whose members once again showed that the octogenarian meant the world to them. In fact, Tuesday*s surprise declaration yielded an effect that any party boss would desire the most, to establish his supremacy and control. The incident has also passed a message to the detractors, the disgruntled and the collaborators of rivals, if any, that any untoward move on their part would cost them dearly. Political observers believe that Pawar expected such an impact when speculations of a split in the NCP refused to die down, even after Ajit, who once tried to split the NCP and almost joined forces with the BJP, declared his lifelong commitment to the party. The very Ajit was seen commanding the emotionally charged crowd, albeit with some difficulty. The element of distrust was visible when Ajit tried to convince the NCP workers to accept Pawar*s decision. People wanted Surpriya to speak and request her father, but she didn*t when Ajit stopped her. That must have raised eyebrows, because the family has been drawn into a battle of accession on many occasions, despite the head*s denial.

What if the boss doesn*t return?Firstly, the party will have to settle for a new leadership; a stoic one or a rubber stamp. Ajit clearly said on Tuesday he wasn*t interested in the post. Then who else? Supriya? Ajit also said the leaders who tried convincing the boss later Tuesday suggested that a working president be appointed to share the workload of the national president, who ultimately will be none other than Pawar himself. If so, then, Pawar will be in total control as long as he wishes. If Pawar has total control of the party and takes part in political activities, strategising and campaigning, without which the party isn*t expected to perform better in the upcoming elections, the Maha Vikas Aghadi will also be getting a much-needed push.

Pawar*s status in national politics is not expected to change much even if he doesn*t officially lead the NCP. He is the kind of a leader who cannot rest as long as he has the strength and he breathes politics. However, he will be free to disown any decision that goes against his proclaimed position or the pre- and post-poll alliance politics. He may simply shrug off responsibility in case the most influential leader in the NCP rank (we don*t need to identify) goes against his advice (if sought at all). Though Congress and Shiv Sena leaders have said the leadership change will not affect their relationship with the NCP, it is well known that some strong people in Pawar*s party have reservations about working with the Uddhav Sena in particular. At the Delhi level, the national-turned-regional party*s status will be weighed in terms of the Lok Sabha seats it wins the next year (and in alliance with who). Sharad Pawar managed to get the most even with a number less than 10. It would be interesting to see the NCP*s show without Pawar holding the presidency.

There is another angle to Pawar*s shock treatment. The parties, which are attempting to weaken the NCP using various ways, one of which is luring some top leaders away, will have to consider the charged up NCP cadre and Pawar*s sympathisers, who increased his number in 2019 Assembly polls to be in a position to experiment the MVA. It is another story that the three-party coalition collapsed and now it is attempting to rebuild it ahead of the next year*s polls. Pawar has certainly put his party in circulation at the right time.

1956 Year Sharad Pawar called for a protest march on Goan Independence in Pravaranagar, Maharashtra, marked the beginning of his first recorded political activism at a young age

1958 Pawar joined Youth Congress and demonstrated his support for the Congress Party

1962 Became President of the Pune district Youth Congress

1967 When Pawar was 27 years old, he was nominated as a candidate for Assembly elections from Baramati constituency. Pawar won the election and made it to the assembly from the then-undivided Congress Party.

1969 Congress faced a stumbling block within the party resulting in expulsion of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from the party. Following the split, Pawar along with Yashwantrao Chavan became a part of Indira Gandhi*s Indian National Congress (Requisitionists) faction.

1975-77 Sharad Pawar served as the home affairs minister in the govt of Shankarrao Chavan. In later years, when the Congress party again split into Congress (I) and Congress (U), Pawar sided with Congress (U).

1978 In the run-up to the state elections, both factions of Congress participated separately but formed the government in the coalition supporting Vasantdada Patil against the Janata Party. Pawar got the portfolio of Minister of Industry and Labour in the government led by Vasantdada Patil.

1978 At the age of 38, Pawar left Congress (U) to form a government with Janata Party, and amid this, Sharad Pawar became the youngest Chief Minister of Maharashtra in 1978.

1983 Pawar became the president of Congress (I)

1984 He was elected to Lok Sabha from the Baramati parliamentary constituency.

1985 Pawar again won from the Baramati assembly constituency, he decided to stay with Maharashtra*s state politics - becoming the leader of the opposition coalition PDF - as he resigned from the Lok Sabha seat

1988 Pawar became the chief minister of Maharashtra for the second time

1987 He returned to Congress (I)

1990 Pawar became chief minister of Maharashtra for the third time

1991 Pawar became the Defence Minister in the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narasimha Rao. He handled the portfolio till 1993.

1993 March Pawar became the chief minister of Maharashtra for the fourth time. Pawar remained Chief Minister

1999 Sharad Pawar, along with P A Sangma and Tariq Anwar were expelled from Congress for what has been described as the trio "opposing Sonia Gandhi*s as the president" of Congress. The same year, in June, Pawar along with Sangma founded Nationalist Congress Party. However, NCP came into coalition with the state Congress to form a government following the 1999 assembly elections to defeat Shiv Sena-BJP

2004 Pawar became Minister of Agriculture in the UPA government under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

2014 Pawar*s NCP lost in the state elections in which BJP was elected as the largest party in the election

2019 Following state elections and after a whole lot of political crisis, NCP, Congress and Shiv Sena*s coalition government - led by Shiv Sena and Uddhav Thackeray as the chief minister - was formed

2020 Pawar was re-elected as an MP to the Rajya Sabha

2023 Pawar resigned as president of NCP

See the original post:

Sharad Pawars 3D-chess: Castling Ajit to checkmate the BJP? - mid-day.com

Published April 29, 2023 1:33 p.m. ET

Updated April 29, 2023 5:54 p.m. ET

Click to Expand

Around 300 young chess players from across New Brunswick gathered in Moncton Saturday. Students from kindergarten to Grade 12 took part in the Scholastic Provincial Chess Tournament at the Moncton Coliseum.

It was the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic that the event was held in person.

Ben Jokela, the arbiter, or head referee, thinks the provincial tournament was the largest event theyve ever held.

Its a big deal, said Jokela. The winner of the provincials at each grade goes to the nationals, so its high stakes.

Organizers say theres been a lot of growth in chess over the past few years, partly due to the popularity of the Netflix miniseries The Queens Gambit.

Its an extremely good activity to do online and I think the pandemic helped increase its popularity, said Jokela. Its also just a great academic activity for children and weve seen all over the province chess clubs popping up in schools, small communities, large cities, everywhere and all over New Brunswick.

Grade 7 student Timur Stoicev says what he likes about chess is that you can practice your intellectual skills.

In chess, it is a tactical game. So, you can see your mistakes and you study on how to think what will happen in the future. And it can help in life very much, said the cole Carrefour de l'Acadie student.

Winners from each grade will represent team New Brunswick at the 2023 Canadian Chess Challenge that will be held next month in Montreal.

If parents want to get their child playing chess, Jokela recommends reaching out to the administration of their schools about starting or joining a chess club.

Its a great thing to do for all ages, especially for children, said Jokela.

According to the organizers, more than 605 million people around the world play chess on a regular basis.

RELATED IMAGES

The rest is here:

Chess becoming popular among youth in New Brunswick - CTV News Atlantic

A father and son chess-playing duo have spent hours working on their game in scenic parts of their hometown, culminating in a championship final where the pupil became the master.

It took just 20 minutes for Elijah Davidson, 11, to beat his father Jamie Davidson in the final of their chess championship, played over six games, at Timarus Caroline Bay Soundshell on Sunday.

Cheered on by family members, and catching the attention of a few passersby, the Davidsons were all concentration as they worked their way through the game, Jamie running the London System to fluster his son.

But, Elijah knew all the moves and won the championship 6-4, his father said.

READ MORE:* Caroline Bay Soundshell seating demolished* Timaru's Caroline Bay Soundshell seating work underway * Caroline Bay Soundshell seating project awaiting final plans

I lost to an 11-year-old, Jamie said after the game.

Elijah really likes to trade pieces, and he traded them well, and ended up with just more value on the board and was able to check mate me in the end.

Stuff

Jamie Davidson and 11-year-old son Elijah play the final game in their chess championship at the Caroline Bay Soundshell on Sunday afternoon.

The pairs chess journey began about a year ago, when Jamie taught Elijah how to play the game.

Keen to get his son off Xbox, Jamie thought the game would be a good challenge, as he had been enjoying puzzles set up for him by his father while he was at school.

He comes home and blows me away how quickly he can solve them, Jamie said.

I knew I was in trouble when he started solving some high-end puzzles.

John Bisset/Stuff

Elijah contemplates his next move.

Having learnt from his grandfather, Jamie decided to pass on his chess knowledge to Elijah.

He took a keen interest a few months ago, and it turned out he was pretty good, so we started a chess championship.

From there the pair have been playing around the town, choosing the Soundshell as their finale spot for a bit of a laugh and to make the competition a bit more serious, he said.

The games have been mostly timed for 30 minutes, but one untimed championship game went for more than two hours, Jamie said.

John Bisset/Stuff

Jamie taught his son to play chess to get him off the Xbox.

Having discovered the shared interest in the game, Jamie said there did not appear to be a chess club in South Canterbury and he, and Elijah, were keen to talk about it with anyone else interested.

They liked the fact they could play chess anywhere, and would take a table, a chess board and their pieces out to play.

The pair were also keen to see more giant boards and pieces around the place, so anyone could play outdoors.

Elijah was happy with the win, which came with a trophy, and the honour of beating his father, and teacher.

John Bisset/Stuff

Jamie makes a move in his game with Elijah.

It feels amazing, he said.

Im so proud of myself.

Elijah said he would often think of chess moves he could make, even when he was not playing the game.

He enjoyed playing chess with his father while they had dinner and was looking forward to beating him some more.

John Bisset/Stuff

Elijah, 11, won the championship on Sunday.

Here is the original post:

Check mate: Father and son chess-playing duo spend hours ... - Stuff

World Chess Championship 2023 Game 11 Highlights (Ding Liren vs Ian Nepomniachtchi):Game 11 of the World Chess Championship between Russias Ian Nepomniachtchi and Chinas Ding Liren has ended in a draw. Both players decided to call it quits after 39 moves, just an hour and 40 minutes into the game. Nepo is still a point ahead, with just three more games to go. Scroll down to catch all the action.

Though the last four games ended in a draw, it has generally been an exciting, seesaw contest. While Nepo won Games 2,5 and 7, Ding was victorious in Games 4 and 6.

Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay has been analysing games of the World Chess Championship for The Indian Express. You can read his analysis of Game 10, Game 9,Game 8,Game 7,Game 6,Game 5, Game 4, Game 3, Game 2, and Game 1.

You have exhausted your monthly limit of free stories.

To continue reading,simply register or sign in

Read this story with a special discount on our digital access plan. Now at just Rs 100 per month.

This premium article is free for now.

Register to continue reading this story.

This content is exclusive for our subscribers.

Subscribe to get unlimited access to The Indian Express exclusive and premium stories.

This content is exclusive for our subscribers.

Subscribe now to get unlimited access to The Indian Express exclusive and premium stories.

Keep scrolling for highlights from Game 11.

Live Blog

World Chess Championship. (Photo: FIDE/Stev Bonhage)

Such an entertaining World Chess Championships, which has seen both players attack, win and defend whenever they have to, could be decided by a single point. Russian Ian Nepomniachtchi, who leads Ding Liren 5.5-4.5 after 10 games, is probably banking on it. He has his task cut out: he just cant afford to lose a game.

Game 10 on Sunday at the St Regis in Astana, Kazakhstan, was a clear indication that Nepo is not going to go on the offensive when playing with Black pieces. More importantly, hes prepared to not give Ding any chance of getting that equalising win. This means that Ding will have to come up with something truly extraordinary in order to win. With only four games to go, it seems a Herculean task. [Read More]

First published on: 24-04-2023 at 13:36 IST

The rest is here:

World Chess Championship 2023 Game 11 As It Happened: Ian Nepomniachtchi stays one point ahead of Ding Liren after another draw - The Indian Express