Searching for new Bobby Fischer
The newly-formed South Coast Chess Club now seems to be helping to revive the interest locally.
CHESS was at its peak worldwide during the ‘Cold War’ between America and Russia, thanks to the classic showdown between the eccentric Bobby Fischer and Russian champion Boris Spassky.
The super-foes were determined to claim superior intellect through their respective champions in a series of games played in Iceland in 1972. Fischer won and the sixth round is still regarded as the greatest game of chess ever played.
Media hype around chess has faded somewhat since then, but the newly-formed South Coast Chess Club now seems to be helping to revive the interest locally with 20 players turning up for only its second meeting at the Port Shepstone Country Club on Monday evening.
The brainchild of maths teacher Roger Hartley, the club is open to all – novices and experienced players – every Monday, starting at 6pm.
Three games are played on a round robin basis, strictly 30 minutes per player. It’s all over bar the grins before 8.30pm.
The club does have a few spare chess sets and clocks, but please bring your own if you can.
Last Monday, the club was also supported by players from Ugu District Chess which already has some up-and-coming stars.
Who knows, one of them might just do the coast proud by qualifying for the South African Junior Chess Championships?
To help grow enthusiasm for the great game, the Herald has agreed to help with sponsorship and floating trophies for quarterly champions – novices and the more experienced. Other sponsorship of sets and clocks would also be most welcome.
Coaching will be on offer down the line.
For more information, visit the club’s Facebook page.
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