Chess ‘boot camp’ comes to Victory

Rami Riachi is on a mission to inspire the next generation of chess players.

The chess coach is running a chess ‘boot camp’ at the Victory Community Centre next term and wants both beginners and experienced players to come along.

The Argentinian says he fell in love with the game when he was 12 years old.

“The council in my hometown developed different activities for kids, including chess. I really liked it and went on to have three different chess coaches.”

A few years later, Rami delved into playing professionally, both in Argentina and then here in New Zealand.

“I used to play a lot of tournaments. It was really stressful as you are under a lot of pressure.“You need to do a lot of study and research on your opponents.”

Rami says he soon realised that he enjoyed the game more as a hobby and relishes teaching others how to play it.

“I play more to have fun and I love teaching kids how to enjoy the game.”

Rami has run the Nelson Chess Club for the past three years and says the interest has been great.

“There has been a real chess boom lately, especially with the TV show, The Queen’s Gambit.”

To help spread his knowledge even further locally, Rami approached the Victory Community Centre to see if they would be keen to have him run some lessons.

They are to be held on Tuesday afternoons at the centre, 3.30pm - 4.30pm from 2 May until 27 June.

The first lesson is free, and after that, it is $12 per lesson or $90 for the whole term.

For more information email  [email protected]