Some of the top players and organizers of chess matches in Eastern Ontario were in Vankleek Hill on Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10.
The Eastern Ontario Chess Association Tournament was held at the Vankleek Hill Curling Club and organized by Jeremy Sztuka of Vankleek Hill, who is also a governor of the association.
There were 45 competitors from Eastern Ontario, Québec, and New York State. Sztuka explained that in addition to the winner receiving a monetary prize, each player’s standings are rated by the Chess Federation of Canada.
“Each player gets a rating on how well they do compared to their opponents,” Sztuka said.
He said that chess has become more popular in recent years.
“It’s grown more popular since the pandemic actually.”
“There are a lot of people who play it online.”
On Sunday morning in the hall at the curling club, there were competitors of all ages in a silent room at chess boards. Players appeared to be deeply contemplating their moves and strategies.
