Where chess lovers go (in Amsterdam)
I was recently in Amsterdam for a couple of days (a
reward for making it to the ripe old age of 35) and obviously anywhere I go, I
scratch and sniff for chess related things. So, I’m googling for a chess café and
what do I stumble across? but a chess museum!
Now, I’d heard about a chess museum in Louisiana
(thanks to this book),
but had no idea that Amsterdam could also boast to host such an attraction.
Being the chess head I am, I was pleased as pie with my discovery.
Being the chess head I am, I was pleased as pie with my discovery.
What's in a name?
The chess museum is actually called Max Euwe Centrum, named
after Dutch chess boss, Dr Max Euwe (World Champ, 1935–37). His biography
shows him to be thoroughly accomplished in the world of chess so I guess if
anyone deserves a chess museum in Amsterdam, it’s him.
Even with the assistance of Google maps it was difficult to
find - but once we came across some big kids chessing on an
outdoor, giant chess set I knew we were on the right track.
Cape fear
Upon entering the building, my wife and I were greeted with a very enthusiastic welcome, so much so that my spider-sense began to tingle. Our host was so gracious and welcoming I honestly thought for a moment that we were being lured into a trap (yes, I've seen too many horror movies for my own good). But, my anxieties soon settled as my host and I sat down for a spot of chess.
There were a lot of chess books in the building – more than you might imagine actually exist. A fair few exotic chess sets too. In the process of being given a brief history of the life and times of Max Euwe, I learned that his granddaughter, Esmé Lammers directed the chess themed movie, Long Live The Queen – and that a set I had the privilege to behold was the actual one used in the movie.
Numbers don't lie
Before we departed, the riddle of our enthusiastic reception was unraveled as it was announced that were the 80,000 visitor to the museum.
A too good to be true spot of luck you might say, but considering it was my birthday, who am I to be skeptical of serendipity?
The manager, Eddy Sibbing took our photo, presented me with
a book called The Art of Chess and assured me that we would be featured in
their forthcoming newsletter (Voila!). Again, please as pie was I.
In conclusion, if you’re a chess lover, you’re probably
going to appreciate a visit to Max Euwe Centrum as much as me. You can find out
more about it using the following links:
"To chess or not to chess, that is the chesstion?"
Really enjoyed the read Aziz.
ReplyDeleteMuchos gracias Ferris! I was so chuffed about the whole experience, I had to write about it
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