Most people think of chess as a slow, silent game where players spend minutes carefully considering every move. David Swartz and Daniel Tenzer are out to prove otherwise.

The Johannesburg pair turned heads in Potchefstroom with a thrilling demonstration of Speed Chess while visiting the city to watch the African Asian Powerlifting Championships.

Swartz, a former South African national chess champion and founder of Chess Fight Club, faced off against fellow Johannesburg player Daniel Tenzer in a lightning-fast battle that was almost too quick for the eye to follow.

Unlike traditional chess, where players can take their time to plan their strategy, Speed Chess is a race against both your opponent and the clock. Each player starts with just three minutes on their clock and receives an additional two seconds after every move. Running out of time means an instant loss, no matter how strong your position on the board may be.

The rapid pace means pieces fly across the board, hands barely pause between moves and split-second decisions can determine the outcome of the game.

“We love playing Speed Chess because it’s exciting, intense and a lot of fun. We enjoy getting together, playing chess, drinking whiskey and talking smack,” Swartz said with a laugh.

Although they travelled to Potchefstroom to support the African Asian Powerlifting Championships, the pair couldn’t resist unpacking a chessboard and sharing their passion for the fast-paced version of the game.

The accompanying video captures just how incredibly quick the action is, with moves coming so rapidly that spectators often struggle to keep up.

Whether you’re a seasoned chess player or have never touched a chessboard before, one thing is certain, Speed Chess is anything but slow.

Look at the video here: