Ex-chess master returns to Phila. with new goals
By Melissa Dribben and Ashwin Verghese
INQUIRER STAFF WRITERS
Hands in his pockets, trailed by a jostling horde of photographers and reporters, Garry Kasparov strolled around a long row of tables in the Central Library of the Free Library of Philadelphia today, glancing over the shoulders of a few dozen Philadelphia teenagers engrossed in chess.
They barely looked up.
Few words were exchanged. The teens were in the presence of one of the greatest chess minds on Earth, but felt little more than the draft of fame as he passed by.
Although these two dozen students have studied some of Kasparov’s strategies, much of his contribution to chess theory is beyond their grasp, at least for now, said Steven Shutt, a chess coach and teacher at Masterman School.
“His games are a bit sophisticated for the kids,” Shutt said. “There is such nuance in the moves he chooses.”
Including the one he made, coming to Philadelphia for the day.
It was, in part, to promote his new book, How Life Imitates Chess. In part, to inspire the students from the after-school program Philadelphia Youth Chess Challenge.
And in large part, to serve his political ends. As a prominent member of Russia’s opposition movement and a presidential candidate, Kasparov has had to struggle to be heard in his own country.
With virtually no hope of getting elected to office, he compares his candidacy to a chess game in which, even if victory is impossible, there is honor in keeping the opponent off balance to the end.
“Every day we survive makes life for the regime more annoying,” he said.
Here is the full story.
I hope Kasparov can get good votes.