Current Kapa’a resident and national chess master Chris Candelario will do a simultaneous chess exhibition Kukui Grove Shopping Center’s center stage Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A “simul” is a competition in which one main player plays
Current Kapa’a resident and national chess master Chris Candelario will do a simultaneous chess exhibition Kukui Grove Shopping Center’s center stage Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A “simul” is a competition in which one main player plays many others at the same time. Candelario said that everyone is welcome to come to “Chess Day Kaua’i” and watch the game. Several prizes will be awarded to winners and for the most interesting game. Chess players are invited to participate if they bring their own chess sets.
Candelario will give basic lessons to anyone who wants to learn, and will talk with people interested in starting chess clubs in Kaua’i schools.
Candelario has been a national chess master since 1985. He played for the Professional German Chess League in 1973-74 after winning two German tournaments for the US Army. Blitz chess, Cadelario’s specialty, is a “fast and furious” game that lasts just five minutes. He’s won state tournaments in New Mexico for chess and blitz chess.
“Chess is not boring because there are multiple variations on every move … there’s always something to think about,” he said.
Chess teaches children some important lessons, Candelario said. Learning how to plan ahead is valuable to win in chess. Youth can sharpen abstract and analytical thinking skills by playing chess. Chess has other practical benefits: increased test scores and improved skills in math and reading.
There are no organized chess clubs on Kaua’i, but Candelario said that he hopes “Chess Day Kaua’i” will be a success introducing the game to more people on the island.
