Passionate Long Sutton chess player who was inspired to play by Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit, hopes to share his enthusiasm with the younger generation at Spalding Chess Club

A passionate chess player – who was inspired to learn the game after watching a popular television series - is now hoping to encourage younger people to get involved.

Craig Robinson, 32, of Long Sutton, took a shine to the board game during lockdown, following the release of The Queen’s Gambit series on streaming service Netflix.

The 2020 drama follows orphan Beth Harmon (played by actress, Anya Taylor-Joy) during the Cold War era, as she struggled with addiction in a quest to become the greatest chess player in the world.

Craig, who has been part of the Spalding Chess Club for more than a year, said: “I have never played chess before in my life, after The Queen’s Gambit was released I massively got into it.

“I really love it and it is my fulltime hobby. It helps me when I’m feeling stressed from work to switch off in the evenings and it has also helped me make new friends.

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“We have between 15 and 17 members at the moment, ranging from ten to 60 years old. We all get the opportunity to travel around and play competitively in league and tournament games at weekends- it’s definitely my main hobby and passion.

“Playing chess has so many benefits, it teaches problem solving skills and competitiveness, but it can also be really good for your mental health. I find that it keeps your brain active and after a game has finished, it does make you feel quite tired because you’re spending so much time concentrating. I think this would help anyone who has a busy brain as it can help switch it off. “

In August 2023, the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, invested £1 million to support schools and chess groups in disadvantaged areas across England.

The scheme was created to help promote the hobby to younger children and inspire the next generation to get involved. The investment also aimed to provide funding for new equipment for different chess groups and clubs.

Craig said: “The investment hasn't really made an impact to us but I’d really like to see it being pushed more in schools around Lincolnshire. I am looking to study and become a tutor, which will hopefully lead to more promotions of chess in schools around the area.

“For us to be able to go into schools and encourage younger people, we will need more tutors to get involved.”

Spalding Chess Club is held every Tuesday from 7pm at the Spalding Social Club on High Street. Evenings include casual games, puzzle solving, team games, improvement and advice and game analysis – everyone is welcome to attend regardless of experience level.

For more information visit the Spalding Chess Club Facebook page or call 01775 723955.

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