Cardiff Chess Club

In The Hayes

Invited by the St David's partnership in the Cardiff shopping centre, our members had a chess challenge event in the Hayes area of town on Friday and Saturday 27/28 August 2010 for the passing public. Below are a selection of Fridays photo's, please enjoy

Playing Chess Blind

International Master Odion Aikhoje kindly agreed to play a chess game while his back was turned towards the chess board against Alex Freeland. Without viewing the board Odion played his moves while remembering his and his opponents past moves. Very impressive for the passing public to watch especially as there was a time limit on the clocks. This amazing feet attracted the biggest crowds.

Odion and Alex weighing each other up ready for a game of chess.

Hugh Price invites Charles Summers to be controller to play Odions moves and press his clock, as Odion's back will be facing the board at all times.

Hugh confirms the rules and time limit with Charles. Alex and Odion are waiting to start.

Some final checks (pun) before they start. Some interest from on lookers.

Clocks are set and ready to start

Back to the board Odion calls out his move Charles make this move and presses Odion's clock. Passing public stop to watch.

Interested watcher ask Hugh what going on. Alex to move, Odion deep in thought.

The middle game is getting complex Alex is looking at Odion's last move. Tim Kett looking on from his game with Paul Keenan.

Now the crowd is gathering around, you can just see Odion's back.

Onlookers are impressed by Odion's ability to remember the position after each move. Young Alex his playing a good sound game too.

A closer look at the crowd around the players, so tight you can't see them.

Getting closer you can see Alex only has 5 minutes left on his clock, sorry cant see Odion's time.

Closer still but no view of Odion's clock but you can just see Odion's head.

A good close photo but unfortunately the white Queen is blocking part of Odion's clock but it looks like he's on very little time.

Home