Local chess show gains recognition

Sunday, August 10, 2008
Check! — and mate!
Cable TV show aims to educate

By Anna L. Griffin TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

FITCHBURG—The game of life can be played on a board that contains 64 squares and holds 32 pieces.

So say George Mirijanian and Martin Laine of the Wachusett Chess Club’s “Chess Chat” television program.

“Chess Chat” is produced at the studios of Fitchburg Access Television by the members of the Wachusett Chess Club. It airs on local cable; however, several of the episodes have been posted on FATV’s Web site and can be viewed online at the FATV on-demand video section. The show has gained some notice, and was mentioned on a blog by grandmaster Susan Polgar who, among her many achievements, has won four world championships and is a five-time Olympic champion.

“Chess is like life,” Mr. Mirijanian said. “There are seemingly limitless combinations with regard to the moves that can be made. You have to use your intelligence to play, devise a strategy and map out tactics. There are many things the game can teach you.”

“Chess is a game that all ages can enjoy and be engaged in,” Mr. Laine said. “People of different ages can play together and have an equally challenging and enjoyable experience.” The club started producing the program in September 2006. “It was one of those things,” Mr. Mirijanian said.

“People in the club thought we should do something on FATV to help promote chess, promote what the club does, and finally, we did something.” As Mr. Mirijanian is the program director of the Wachusett Chess Club and is a certified by the United States Chess Federation as a tournament director and Mr. Laine is club champion, the co-hosting responsibilities fell to them. Both men have been involved in chess for many years.

Mr. Mirijanian traces his interest in chess back to the 1950s; Mr. Laine, to the 1970s. “At first we did programs about the game itself, such as what the pieces are, how they are moved, those types of things,” Mr. Mirijanian said.

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