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Forest Park Library to host chess tournament Dec. 1

By Courtney Llewellyn

Reminder Assistant Editor



SPRINGFIELD "Could we look into the head of a Chess player, we should see there a whole world of feelings, images, ideas, emotion and passion." So said Alfred Binet, a French psychologist who invented the first usable intelligence test, the basis for today's IQ tests.

"I'm looking for anything that challenges the minds of teens today. They spend so much mindless time on the Internet." So said Reggie Wilson, branch manager of the Forest Park Library and organizer of the library's annual Young Adult Chess Tournament.

Taking place Dec. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., this year will the fourth year of the tournament.

"It's going to be an all day affair," Wilson said. "We'll keep playing until a winner is found."

The modern form of chess emerged in Southern Europe during the second half of the 15th century after evolving from similar, much older games of Indian origin. The tradition of organized competitive chess started sometime in the 16th century, according to Wikipedia.

The Forest Park Branch Library's chess tournament is for chess enthusiasts aged 13 to 18. There are 10 slots for interested players and as of Nov. 15, seven of those slots have been filled.

"We want really good players," Wilson said. "If you are a really good player, we'll find a spot for you."

For the best players, prizes and bragging rights are being offered. Some of the donated prizes include movie passes, T-shirts, a bowling package, tickets to the Basketball Hall of Fame and upscale chess sets.

There is no fee to enter the tournament.

"If you're a good player, you'd want to be in it [the tournament]," Wilson stated.

For those who see chess as more of a hobby than a competitive game, the Forest Park Branch Library also has a Chess Club, where players can learn to play and hone their skills.

"A library is not just a warehouse full of books," Wilson said. "It's a place to learn and to have fun."

Any chess player interested in filling in the rest of the slots in the annual tournament can call the library's reference desk at 263-6843. The Forest Park Branch Library is open Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Players can also stop by the library at 380 Belmont Ave. to sign up in person.