Chess Festival
(September 29, 2001)

On Saturday, September 29th, NYChesskids went to the 3rd Annual Harlem Chess Center Festival. Organized by the Harlem Educational Activities Fund (HEAF), the event might have been clamped by the chilly weather, were it not for the warmth of the host, GM Maurice Ashley. Adding to the exciting atmosphere was the presence of other stars like Greg and Jennifer Shahade, Yankee Paul Ashford, GeraldTines and Knicks star Cendell Postes.

We saw 200 people watching and playing chess on about 80 sets. All levels of participants were encouraged by the many known players (experts and masters) who walked around talking to each other, what a sight!

Maurice played boards. Jennifer played boards. Paul the Yankee played 10 boards in a simulation. Greg was in back playing people 45 sec. to 5 min. Candido, a master of 25 years told about the plays he writes. Maurice even played 3 people blindfolded.

We listened to Jazz and disco as we watched young and old enjoy an ancient game called chess.