Chess matches challenge a master

Proceeds go to charity, By Glynnis Jones Franklin — David Cole celebrated his birthday Saturday in a way that befits a chess master. He spent the day along with 22 young chess players competing in a simultaneous exhibition for two good causes. Tom Murray, who runs the Sparta Chess Club, organized the special event at the Sparta Middle School that was open to people of all ages. From a second-grader to a recent graduate, each concentrated on recalling the key features of each piece, recognizing patterns and anticipated their opponents next move. Cole served as the chess master, moving from player to player, plotting his moves. “I’ve always believed chess and charity went hand in hand,” he said. An added feature to this fun and friendly competition was that each player was allowed a “lifeline.” During each game they could seek strategic advice from Sergey Kudrin, a chess Grandmaster from New York. Proceeds are going to Sparta Ambulance and to help the homeless through the Pass It Along organization.