Chess Campus Takes Shape

First chess tournament for absolute beginners at Café Eighty-Four draws a good crowd

On October 4th, the first tournament for beginners took place at Café Eighty-Four in Amsterdam East. Organized as part of the recently launched Chess Campus initiative, the Amsterdam Chess Open (ACO) Foundation aims to expand and strengthen the local chess community while offering existing chess coaches and schools a platform to showcase their services our website. "This gives novice players a chance to test their skills," says Gerton Sluis, who organizes Chess Campus on behalf of ACO. "Participants in existing tournaments are often far too skilled, which can unnecessarily intimidate beginners. We’re removing that barrier for them."

Participants playing chess

A new round starts

Chess Clock

The first tournament saw a strong turnout. Of the 20 available spots at the boards, 16 were filled - by men and women aged 25 to 40 - all of whom showed great enthusiasm. Informal inquiries revealed that most had played the occasional game online, but using a physical chess clock was a new experience for almost everyone. While some found the shift to a 3D perspective of the board a bit strange, most agreed it was refreshing to sit across from a real person rather than a screen.

Full focus at the Chess Campus' first Beginner Rapid

BarBlitz

How did the novices find their way to the tournament? Some discovered it via social media—like Shubh Agrawal, who moved to the Netherlands for work three months ago after studying in London. Others heard about it through word of mouth, while the few who were already taking lessons had been informed by their coaches. BarBlitz software ensured quick pairings and rapid results processing, allowing the entire tournament to run smoothly and conclude within two hours. Thanks to the lovely late-summer weather, it was even possible to play chess on Eighty-Four’s inviting terrace and chat afterwards to get to know one another—which was precisely the idea.

The next event is scheduled for October 25, the final day of the ACO tournament. For those who are no longer absolute beginners, this marks another step closer to a chess tournament with rating categories. You can register here, or—of course—through the various chess coaches in Amsterdam. In any case: the ice has been broken!

ACO Chairman Jan Timmerman opens the session, with organizer Gerton Sluis standing on the left