Chess fun and enthusiasm at Belfast Culture Night

The atmosphere of Belfast Culture Night buzzs with friendly faces and smiles. Balloons, painted faces, music of all types fills the air. We were lucky to be part of this wonderful event. Outside Caffe Nero 6 tables were arranged with chess sets for that best of games a social outside cafe game of chess. Chess players came and played. People walking by were heard to be discussing when they used to play chess. Play started at 4:00pm and went until it was dark and the cafe was closing and still people were playing. Youngsters dragged their parents over to play. Once the larger set was put on the ground spectators watched and the buzz of analysis of the position was almost auditable - "dont do that!", "I saw that"..... Karina Kruk played several interesting games on this set. Brendon Jamieson gave a lesson to some youngsters on how to play the game. Stephen McCann almost won some games! It turns out that there are quite a few good players out there. Pamphlets with 5 beautiful chess puzzles were handed-.out that included details of our website, and for those interested in competitive play a pamphlet  with the dates of UCU competitions, Adult and Children. It was good to see faces from last years event and hopefully people will renew there interest in the game and lookup a local chess club.

Many thanks to all involved - in an event that makes you realise how brilliant people are....

Thanks to the Belfast Culture Night organisers.

Thanks to the Chess players who came to play.

Thanks to Culture Night visitors for joining us and playing.

Thanks to Caffe Nero for hosting us in such an excellent location.

I include a montage of photos - they capture a little of the atmosphere of the event, to capture it all you will have to attend next year!

Problem Left: Answer- (2) 1. Rd8+ QxR 2. QxB+ Kf8 3. Bh6+ Ke8 4. Bh5#

Right: Answer- (1) 1.... Rc1+ 2. RxR RxR+ 3. KxR bxa2 and white cant stop black from Queening the pawn.

Left: (1) 1. Rb3 e1(Q) 2. Ra3+ Bxa3 3. b3#

Centre: (2) 1. Qxe6+ Kxe6 2. Re1+ Kd7 3. Bf5#

Right: (3) 1. Qe7 whatever happens White wins.