Chess mated

I can barely tell the rook from the pawn but, past seven weekends with the Cyprus chess loving fraternity, has made me feel like a part of them. I have enjoyed the time soaking in all the solemnity, oneness and single minded devotion to the game which so describes the room. I have actually looked forward to meeting the same fifty faces every weekend, exchanging a curt nod here and a long conversation there.

This is the 44th Cyprus National Open Chess Championship 2009, which will conclude on Saturday the 21st of February. Both my sons, one a self-conscious, slightly reluctant teenager and the other with all the enthusiasm of a ten year old, have emerged nearly at the bottom of the league. But they have benefited so much. Besides honing their chess skills, they have learnt from others what it is like to have humility and patience to play with people younger and much less proficient than you. They have enjoyed being accepted in the group and advice, pats and appreciation from all the big uncles. They have enjoyed their numerous defeats as much as their few victories.

The ambience of the place does not matter. Whether it was the cosiness of Classic Hotel in Nicosia or the lushness of Enalia Journalist village at quiet beach near the historical Pervolia lighthouse, once the players start the game, the outside disappears. What matters is the chessboard in front of you and the utter silence around you. Even I, as a spectator, am afraid to breathe too loud for fear of breaking the reverie. The room does not have aggression even though it’s a competitive game, there is strange warmth and calmness in the atmosphere. Mobile phones are banished. All self consciousness disappears. I have had advantage of being in this room for so many weeks and since I do not understand the intricacies of the game, have observed people closely. I can tell who frowns while thinking, who taps their knee and who stretches and who stands up to see the board before making the next move. My photo albums of each round capture some of that atmosphere.

There are people in their 20s to probably in their 60s and from all kind of backgrounds and professions. What clearly binds them is their passion for chess. It cannot be easy to give up so many consecutive weekends to devote entirely to something unless you feel for it. Must be especially true of ones who have been losing a lot of their games, who come each time even though they know that they will not take home the cup.

The final round will be played on 21st February at the prestigious Journalist House in Nicosia . My weekends will be free again but somehow that does not make me happy.

Have to give a big thank you to all the players for making me feel like one of them. Thanks also from my sons for whom this has been their first professional chess exposure. They have learnt from the best. My younger son dreams of challenging the national champion one day, it has given him ambition.

Click here for coverage of the Cyprus National Chess Championship 2009.

/VanG/