In Roxas City, chess takes on life-size role

CHECKMATE comes in literally bigger dimensions for chess lovers in Roxas City in Capiz.

A giant, almost life-size chess set, adorns the Halaran public plaza where members of the Roxas City Plaza Chess Association Inc. (RCPCAI) converge daily for games of chess.

The chessboard, measuring around 12 by 12 feet, has giant wooden chess pieces 2 to 3-feet tall on a tiled concrete board.

CHESS enthusiasts in Roxas City maintain their passion for the game under the shades and sometimes in the middle of this giant chess board that isn’t just for display.

Playing on the giant board, players have to lift or hug the pieces, made of light wood, around the board. The rules, however, didn’t change.

The chessboard was funded and built late last year by the city government upon the recommendation of the RCPCAI, said Roxas City Vice Mayor Ronnie Dadivas.

Dadivas said there were many chess enthusiasts in the city. The location of the giant chessboard is ideal because it is shaded and accessible to residents.

Jose Albaladejo, director of the chess association, said his group thought of building the giant chessboard to draw more interest to the game.

The chessboard has become an attraction to visitors in Roxas City as it is in the plaza, along the main city streets near the scenic Panay River.

Beside the giant chessboard are rows of tables with regular-size chessboards where games are played from from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Players pay a P5-fee to play for the whole day at the plaza.

Formed in 2007 by at least 20 chess lovers, RCPCAI transferred to their current location last year, said Albaladejo. Members of the association range from  teenagers to retirees in their 70s.

“It’s a great way to pass the time and to maintain a sharp mind,” Albaladejo said.

“If you play well on a regular-size chessboard then you will be still the same on the giant one,” he said.