Check and mate for chess club

David Borg (9).

A GAME over 2000 years old is getting new life breathed into it.

Keen chess players Keith Jenkins and partner Cathy Farrelly started the CQ Chess Club.

The pair said they started the club in Gladstone after moving here from Victoria and finding there was no club in the area.

In fact, there is no chess club between Mackay and Bundaberg.

This is a far cry from the 1980s and 1990s when the Gladstone Chess Club (now defunct) held competition and regular meetings, said long-time Gladstone player and former Central Queensland chess champion Louie Radovanovic.

Radovanovic hoped for renewed interest in the sport now.

“A lot of people think chess is boring, but it can be very exciting.”

The former chess champion said that once people get into the game they get hooked and see how exciting it can be.

Jenkins said that while Gladstone has many sporting activities available such as touch and cricket, not everyone can take part and chess can be played by anyone.

“I have played against people ranging from five to 97 years old,” he said.

Jenkins said the club has continued to grow since its inception with all levels joining up.

“It doesn't matter if you haven't played before or are a good player, we cater for all skill bases,” he said.

Nine-year-old David Borg joined the club with his father and said while he still enjoys his soccer and taekwondo he loves chess.

David's father, Jan, said that the game was good for David as it taught him to think logically and helped with problem-solving.

“A lot of kids these days have problems with concentration, so this is good for them and much better than sitting playing video games.”

The club meets every second and forth Thursday at Gladstone Darts Club on Moura road from 7.30pm, everyone welcome.

“It is a very social thing, we have made many friends through chess,” Jenkins said.