Father-daughter duo chasing checkmates

As 20 July approaches, chess enthusiasts around the world are gearing up to celebrate International Chess Day, a tradition spanning more than 50 years since it was proposed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Among the global celebrations, the Cayman Islands Chess Club is preparing to mark the occasion with special enthusiasm at their regular Tuesday night gathering at The Edgy Vedge in Camana Bay.

Every Tuesday, a diverse group of chess lovers – ranging in age from 9 to over 50 – gather at The Edgy Vedge to engage in the game they adore. Chess has long been associated with wealth, knowledge and power, evolving into its modern form in 15th-century England. Today, it continues to captivate players of all ages with its blend of strategy and skill.

One of the club's organisers, Lou Dimitrov, often plays alongside his 9-year-old daughter, Lia, one of the island's most promising young talents. Lou Dimitrov sees chess as more than just a game; it's a powerful tool for learning and personal development.

“With each move, you make decisions and take responsibility for your actions. If you make a wrong decision, you have to deal with the consequences, as you can't take it back. It’s a great preparation for life,” he said. “Sometimes you play for hours and then make a mistake, and it’s all over. It hurts like in real life, but it’s not real, so it’s a valuable learning experience.”

Lia, despite her young age, has demonstrated exceptional skill, often besting players much older than herself.

“It is fun to beat people, but when you lose, you learn from the mistakes. So later on, when you get better, you remember those mistakes and you know what to do,” she said.

To celebrate International Chess Day, the club encourages everyone to get involved in the festivities. One way is to join a chess club.

Other ways to celebrate the day could include organising a game of human chess. Channel your inner Ron Weasley from Harry Potter by arranging for friends to act as life-sized chess pieces. Invite at least 32 participants and have them wear black or white clothes with chess piece symbols to identify their roles.

Alternatively, a chess-themed movie night can be a delightful way to celebrate. Gather friends and family to watch films like “Searching for Bobby Fischer” (1993) and “Queen of Katwe” (2016), or binge the popular Netflix series, “The Queen’s Gambit.”

As International Chess Day draws near, the Cayman Islands Chess Club and chess enthusiasts worldwide are ready to celebrate their love for this timeless game, continuing a tradition that not only entertains but also teaches valuable life lessons.

This article was published in the July/August 2024 print edition of Camana bay Times.