DEL.ICIO.USThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 02/22/08
Although each side is cordial, this is battle.
At every opportunity, one of them will charge forward to conquer the opponent and protect the kingdom.
 Jessica McGowan/AJC | ||
| Harry Yingst (left) of Marietta makes a move against Mark Wendland of Adairsville during a weekly recreational chess tournament at Chess Place in Marietta. | ||
 Jessica McGowan/AJC | ||
| Drew Frezell of Roswell (left) makes a move against Chess Place employee Ratana Landry during one of their weekly recreational chess tournaments. | ||
 Jessica McGowan/AJC | ||
| Adults compete in a weekly recreational chess tournament at Chess Place in Marietta. Afterward, they share strategies. | ||
 Jason Getz/AJC | ||
| William Ortiz, 12, of Snellville, works on a tactical move. | ||
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This is the goal of recreational chess play and other board games in Gwinnett and on the Northside.
Despite the popularity of online chess, experienced players from children to adults meet each week to plan strategy and hone their skills.
EAST COBB
• The Battle
The quiet scene takes place inside a Marietta office building that was converted from a batting cage.
Only hand-pounding clicks on the chess timer break the silence.
That's the sound of battle for this group of adults who play at Chess Place in east Cobb on Tuesday nights.
The battlefield room is bright with fluorescent lights.
A monitor walks in, maintaining silence and answering whispered questions.
With each click of the timer, players record moves on a sheet of paper.
The real fun comes afterward.
When the board battle ends, opponents break their silence in the next room and give each other kudos and reveal game strategy.
John Austin, 72, was jubilant after a recent game, even though he fell short of victory.
"I got a draw," he shouted. "I am so pumped."
His opponent, Mike Mestres, 27, was a newcomer to the group but not the game. He last played chess at age 14 and was rated a master player with Fédération Internationale des Échecs — World Chess Federation — the governing world chess organization over most national chess federations.
As a chess player, Mestres outranks Austin, a former Georgia state champion and an A rated player with the United States Chess Federation.
"It's easy to be intimidated by someone with a much higher rating," Austin said.
Mestres said he came out that night after playing high-level chess online. He wanted to test his skills on a live opponent.
"I still remember a few old tricks," said Mestres, who beat another opponent in the previous round. "You have to be [modest] when you're playing chess 'cause anybody can give you a quick lesson. [Justin] played a great solid game."
IF YOU GO
- What: Weekly chess play for adults
- When: 6:45 p.m. sign up; 7:10 p.m. game time, Tuesdays.
- Where: Chess Place, 2501 E. Piedmont, Marietta
- Kid Chess: Owner Justin Morrison and staff teach children chess in local schools. They also hold tournaments and camps at the east Cobb office.
- Info: 770-575-5802, www.kidchess.com. Call ahead to register.
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ALPHARETTA
• Child's Play
Terra Cribbs knows how easily kids can get hooked on chess. The youth services department manager at Northeast/Spruill Oaks Regional Library started at age 5 and has been playing ever since.
Now she oversees Master Mind Chess, a free club for children ages 6 and older that's held on Wednesday nights at the library. Coaches are on hand and all skill levels are welcome.
"Once children get an understanding of the pieces and how they move, they will start to put it all together and strategize," Cribbs said.
Sometimes as many as 50 children show up with their parents.
"Chess is about sportsmanship, skill and challenge. You have to have a good understanding of all three to have command of the game," Cribbs said.
IF YOU GO
- What: Master Mind Chess, free chess play for kids.
- When: 6 p.m. Wednesdays through March 19. A new session starts April 9.
- Where: Northeast/Spruill Oaks Regional Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Alpharetta
- Info: 770-360-8820, www.socialweb.net/Events/68896.lasso/li>
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BUFORD
• How Chess Hooks Ya
Experienced chess players sound a little like golfers when they talk shop. That's not surprising to chess coach Tom Emch, 58, who's been playing since he was a teenager. Beyond the obvious differences, both sports have the same level of complexity.
"But with golf you're facing varying conditions all the time even if it's the same course," Emch said. "With chess the game itself is exactly the same every time you get into it. What's interesting is how it can take on different characteristics just because you choose to [make a different chess move]."
Emch and the Gwinnett County Chess Club meet on Saturday nights for free chess play at Borders Books and Music near the Mall of Georgia. Adults and children of all skill levels are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
IF YOU GO
- What: Free chess play with the Gwinnett County Chess Club
- When: 7 p.m. Saturdays
- Where: Borders Books and Music. Across from the Mall of Georgia, 1705 Mall of Georgia Blvd., Buford
- Info: 678-482-0872
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More Free Play:
- Pinckneyville Community Center,
- 1:30 p.m. Sundays. 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross. 770-417-2200.
- Sugar Hill United Methodist Church, 7 p.m. Fridays. 4600 Nelson Brogdon Road, Sugar Hill. 770-945-2845.
- Borders Books and Music, 7 p.m. Mondays. 1929 Scenic Hwy, North, Snellville.770-982-0454.
Chess Classes for Intermediate Players
- Pinckneyville Community Center. Eight-week sessions scheduled to start 3 p.m. Saturday, March 22. Call to confirm date. $50. 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross. 770-417-2200.
Chess Web sites
- United Chess Federation, www.uschess.org
- Atlanta Chess and Game Center, www.atlantachess
- center.com
- Championship Chess, www.championshipchess.net
- Fédération Internationale des Échecs (World Chess Federation), www.fide.com.
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