More than 40 people came together Saturday for an event. The space was quiet.

The group, which consisted of both children and adults, were at the South Butler Community Library for the first Saxonburg Open, an all-ages chess tournament.

The new event brought players of the strategy board game together to, as in any competition, test their abilities and spend time with people passionate about mastering similar skills. Additionally, adult players were eligible for cash prizes, and children received ribbons and trophies for winning matches.

Though a much different atmosphere than a high school football field on a fall Friday night or a soccer field on a cool spring Saturday morning, the competitive atmosphere and camaraderie formed by those who find joy playing the game were as obvious as they are on a sports field.

The event follows the 2022 formation of the Saxonburg Chess Club by Jason Siemer’s son, Oliver. Only 13 at that time, Oliver found a passion for chess and wanted to share it with the community. The club meets from 5 to 6:30 p.m. every Thursday at the library.

The Saxonburg Open chess tournament Saturday kicked off at 9:30 a.m. and continued through 2 p.m. under the direction of tournament director Gabriel Petesch.

The spots, 44 in total, filled quickly for the tournament, Petesch said.

The findings are clear: A community space was needed for chess, and the Saxonburg Open, along with the weekly club, have filled a hole.

We have enjoyed seeing how those who enjoy playing the game have come together. Further, we applaud the library for accommodating the group.

A June 2023 study from Frontiers in Psychology found parents have a positive perspective on how their children are affected by playing chess. According to the study, parents said the game helped their children’s cognitive abilities, character and competitive spirit.

Though noting the high psychophysiological demands associated with chess create an environment not ideal for all, the study explains most parents with children playing chess saw benefits from the game.

A survey found 55% of parents associated chess with cognitive abilities including math and self-control, among others.

Jason Siemer shared Saturday that he enjoys watching how the game brings players’ personalities out.

“A lot of chess players are introverted, but when you get them together, they really come out of the shells and have a great time,” he said.

Thank you to everyone who made the event possible this past weekend.

— TL