Of all the things that St. Louis could be “known” for, I had no idea that chess was even on the list.  But it is…and the city’s reputation as a chess epicenter is growing.  Withe the United States Chess Championship kicking off this weekend at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis, 2010 marks the second year in a row that St. Louis has hosted the renown tournament. Reining National champion Hikaru Nakamura has even moved to St. Louis.

For those of you here at Westmont that are chess enthusiasts, the club, located at 4657 Maryland Avenue (St. Louis, MO 63108) is brand new and was built through the financial support of Rex A. Sinquefield, a very wealthy local businessman. Sinquefield, a conservative activist and chess expert himself, has even put up the $173,000 prize fund for the championship.

Chess, for me, is one of the most beautiful games ever (next to poker).  So much subtle strategy is involved.  It’s an easy game to learn, but a hard game to master.  If you’re interested, the games during the tournament will be carried live online.  Check it out!