Your Move, Kimberley – National Chess Challenge opens for entries

IN LIFE, every move counts. The seemingly insignificant choices we make today can have incredible knock-on effects later on in life. A quote I like, often attributed to Matshona Dhliwayo, goes: “The seeds of today blossom into the flowers of tomorrow.”

In essence, life is like a game of chess, where planning, strategy and forethought are vitally important.

Perhaps that’s why the game of chess is often seen as more than just a board sport – it is considered a way to learn discipline, focus, and strategic thinking. Now, high school learners in Kimberley and the wider Northern Cape have a unique opportunity to put those skills to the test in a chess tournament that’s rapidly growing in prestige.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Battle Boards Chess Championship that was contested between schools in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and North West, the 2025 edition is opening its doors to high schools from all nine provinces – and yes, that includes the Northern Cape.

The competition, which runs online and is free to enter, offers schools and students a platform to compete against the country’s best young chess minds, no matter where they’re based.

The championship kicks off on Saturday, May 10 this year, and will start with team-based provincial pool matches. The top-performing schools from each region will then move on to the national play-offs, set for July 26 and August 9, where the ultimate champions will be crowned.

Last year, St John’s College in Johannesburg took top honours. This year, however, with the competition reaching every province, there’s a real chance for schools in Kimberley and the Northern Cape to make their mark.

As mentioned earlier, the game of chess is known for teaching skills that extend far beyond the board – from critical thinking and decision-making to patience and planning. In that sense, it mirrors the kind of long-term thinking valued in many aspects of life and future careers.

As part of its broader educational vision, the organisers aim to use chess as a tool to inspire young people to think big, plan smart, and engage with each other in a spirit of friendly competition.

Registrations are now open and will remain so until Sunday, May 4 2025, so don’t delay, get registered and start preparing. Schools can sign up their teams and find all the relevant information at BattleBoards.co.za.

So, whether you’re a seasoned chess player or a school looking to build your chess team from scratch, this is your chance to join a growing community of learners across South Africa who are learning to think ahead – and make every move count.