Chess

Chess will be the sport of quick thinkers and also peaceful, quiet thinkers at Gay Games VIII. The time of game is limited to 5 minutes during the blitz matches. For the other chess tournament matches, the participants will have 30 minutes per game.

We are expecting approximately 100 chess players. The tournament will take place at the famous German Sports & Olympia Museum, just south of the Old City. One can see an exhibition on the history of the Olympic Games in the time between chess matches at this museum. Exhibits of the Gay Games will also be displayed at the German Sports & Olympia Museum during Gay Games VIII.
Furthermore the Cologne Chess Association (Kölner Schach Verband) is supporting us in organising and performing the tournament.

Chess is traditionally a quiet sport requiring great concentration skills. The suspense of the game results from the moves which are made in order to checkmate the opponent. This happens when the king can no longer make a move and is therefore conquered. Each player defends their king as best they can. Much of the suspense is from predicting the opponent's moves, but also from the clock because your “thinking” time is limited.