Chess players from seven countries around the world have converged in Kimberley for the Mojo Chess Extravaganza. The players are battling it out in their different categories.
The tournament is the first in the world and ends on the 27th of March.
Honing their skills to perfect their craft, the diamond city is playing host to this international game. And the rule of the game is to overthrow your opponent.
With the queen and king being the most important pieces on the board, this game improves concentration and develops problem-solving skills amongst others.
The Vice President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Nigel Short says the tournament is important for the continent.
“Just to promote the game in South Africa. South Africa is of course extremely important in chess, not only in chess but in chess in this region and for Africa as a whole. So it’s great to see a lot of people and battling, battling away,” says Short.
The event is an economic booster for the city. The end game is to protect your king while defeating your opponent’s king for the prize money. When that happens, it’s checkmate.
