Not Just Fun and Games

State Chess Tournament, Not Just Fun and Games
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: February 11, 2012

PEORIA–These students are submerged in a checkered world filled with knights, kings and queens.

It’s a game their chess coaches say is anything but easy.

“A tremendous amount of work that goes into this,” said coach Dylan Canavan. “They are passionate about this competition.”

125 teams are taking part in the Illinois High School Association Chess Team tournament.

All are focused on bringing home the state title.

“One team will generally be the only undefeated team left and they will win the state championship,” said IHSA Assistant Executive Director Scott Johnson. “It’s like their super bowl.”

High school senior Jake Brosius has been working toward that goal all year.

“You really do your best. You think through every possibility, but at the end of the day, you win or lose,” said Brosius.

The timed match can last up to two hours.

But this 18 year old says, it’s all about thinking fast and making the right move.

“I see it as a giant puzzle. I really do,” explained Brosius. “As soon as you make that first move, that number of combinations shrinks dramatically.”

Coaches say students with analytical minds are often the most successful.

“They’re very good at science and math,” said Coach Canavan. “They tend to be some of the higher achieving students.”

Brosius admits the game comes with stereotypical assumptions…

“They say it’s just for nerds. And it is. But I’m proud to be that nerd,” states Brosius.

But when it comes time to say checkmate, having brains isn’t such a bad thing.

“Maybe nerds are the only ones that can handle it,” said Brosius.

Source: http://centralillinoisproud.com