Thursday, December 17, 2009

Chess From the Outside

I found this surprisingly refreshing. A top level chess tournament from an outsider's point of view.

Carlsen squirmed in his seat. On the stage alongside him, three other games were also in progress. He turned his head to examine the big screen backdrop, which mapped out the progress of all four matches in real time. He slouched, wagged his foot, sipped his drink, toyed with his cuff again, and then got up and walked up and down the row of tables, staring over the shoulders of his rival players to examine their matches.

Ten minutes ticked by before Carlsen exited stage left. Fifteen passed, and he returned stage right. Howell has still not moved.

Chess is not a great spectator sport.

Read more in "A half-hour's inaction and wagging feet – chess is a world beyond my grasp".

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