Through My Lens: A growing passion for chess

Published by CBC Communications.

My passion for chess grew when my son started playing in elementary school. I am not a skilled player by any means, but I find the game helps me develop my ability to strategize.

The game has flourished since the late 1980s in my province, with the establishment of the Newfoundland and Labrador School Chess Association and the NL Chess Association for adults.

During the early days of my involvement in chess, I helped organize tournaments. Since my son graduated from Memorial University and moved to Alberta, photography has become more of my passion during chess events.

The way players focus and think is captivating to me.

In a chess game, players sit, play quietly and respect each opponent. Through their eyes and expressions, I can always tell the intensity of the players in the game. Some may look very serious, while others pretend to be serious in an effort to trick their opponents.

Chess is a magical art. It is interesting that the skills to strategize and master the game can be applied to so many other areas of life all without the player even knowing it.- Alick Tsui

I always use a telephoto lens to capture the facial expressions of the players without causing distractions.

Chess is a magical art. It is interesting that the skills to strategize and master the game can be applied to so many other areas of life all without the player even knowing it.

The game is also easily accessible to families and one of the best enrichment programs, helping many young people acquire languages, mathematics and even music skills. Over the past three decades, I have witnessed many players excel at chess and go on to enjoy successful careers, whether in business, medicine or technology fields.

With the popular Netflix series The Queen's Gambit, chess has once again recaptured the interest of many, from the very young to retirees. Pandemic isolation has also drawn many people to practice chess online, allowing players to enjoy, learn and compete at any level globally.

The next time you can play a game without social distancing, remember to look into your opponent's eyes and study their facial expressions you might be able to read their mind.

Through My Lens is a new community series that features the point-of-viewstoriesbehind photos from across the East Coast.