Game if you are: Ben Kersten at the chessboard.
By John Van Klaveren
WHEN IT comes to games, chess is just about the grand master of them all.
One of the oldest strategy games in the world, it has become the basis for many other pastimes.
It is thought to be the most popular game in the world, with hundreds of millions regularly setting up the chessboard.
After all, chess is probably the fairest game in existence – it has no dice spoiling good play because of a bad roll and no umpire to penalise one side with a poor decision.
It’s the evenness that attracted Geelong Chess Club vice-president Ben Kersten to the game.
“I’ve played a lot of strategy games, both older and modern, but there’s nothing as well-balanced as chess,” Ben explained.
“Other games just don’t have the same nice feel, or have pieces with awkward movements and rules. Chess feels more natural.”
Despite its ancient traditions, the game is being challenged by the digital age, with computer-based and on-line gaming gaining in popularity, particularly among junior ranks.
“Playing on the internet means you lose the face-to-face aspect of competition,” Ben said.
“You can’t eyeball your opponent, a bit like playing poker. You might make a blunder but a sneaky smile could suggest it was actually a clever move.”
To counter the junior drain, the club has kicked off a junior section as well as introducing the classic game into regional schools.
“The schools program has gone from strength to strength,” Ben said.
“It has expanded the club to the majority of schools and there are more than 100 kids playing.
“Chess helps with concentration, especially in maths and science, similar to the benefits of music programs.
“It’s become a reward for the kids because they get time out from classes to participate.”
The Geelong club hosted the 2011/2012 Australian championships, attracting national and international players.
“It was a major event for Geelong because Victoria had not hosted it for 10 years,” Ben said.
“We also have regular interclub tournaments with Ballarat and there’s also the Victoria country championship.”
Ben said the club had its own program of tournaments through the year along with social chess, weekly meetings and coaching.
Geelong Chess Club is based at the Courthouse in Lt Malop St.
Ben said prospective members could phone him on 0421 871 859.
