Cover Story / 2014 Sinquefield Cup
THE CHESS CLUB AND SCHOLASTIC CENTER OF SAINT LOUIS HASN’T JUST UPPED THE ANTE FOR THE PLAYERS’ EXPERIENCE, BUT FOR THE CHESS FAN AS WELL.
The Spectator Experience
Ask an average American who doesn’t play chess to tell you what comes to mind when they hear the words “chess club” and you’ll often hear some version of an after school activity. Up until six years ago if you asked the same question to a chess playing American you would most likely have been told about a space at a library/church basement/ bookstore etc. where adults and juniors alike gather for a few games in a dimly lit room about which the most that could be said is that the space had either extremely cheap rent or was donated gratis.
No more. Now when many chess players think about a chess club they think of one place: The Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Saint Louis (CCSCSL).
Since opening their doors in July of 2008, the CCSCSL has quickly supplanted such venerable clubs as the Marshall and the Mechanics as THE destination chess club in the United States. Since that time they have hosted the past six U.S.
Championships as well as the elite interna- tional Sinquefield Cup tournament since its inception last year.
The club is the brainchild of billionaire philan- 26 November 2014 | Chess Life
thropist Rex Sinquefield and his wife Jeanne, and they appear to have spared no expense in the creation and maintenance of the club. The look of the club rivals that of many art galleries or high end hotels.
Over the past two years I have attended three events at the CCSCSL as a spectator and always find that their accommodations are truly first class. The staff puts in a lot of work and gets almost everything right, down to the smallest detail.
Upon arriving at the club on the day of one of the major events a spectator is given a rubber bracelet similar to those worn for causes such as cancer or poverty awareness that serves as their ticket for admission. With that bracelet the spectator may now watch the live broadcast on a big screen TV from the comfort of the lobby, go next door to the restaurant Lester’s and watch live commentary provided by a team of grandmasters, or better yet go upstairs to the playing hall itself and watch the games in person.
When choosing to go upstairs to watch the games in person you must first check in your cell phone as no electronic devices are
allowed in the playing venue. The club has a smoothly operating system for this similar to a coat check; you give them your phone and they give you back a claim ticket. The process of turning in and retrieving your phone is one that you will typically repeat numerous times each day and so the staff is well prepared for this.
Then, just before opening the door to go upstairs, a professional security officer will scan you with a wand to ensure you are in compliance with the cell phone policy. Afterwards they hold the door open for you. I have spoken to a couple of the guys in this role and they are extremely polite and courteous. They are the least intrusive, yet most effective security I have seen in any setting ever.
Upstairs in the playing hall flash photography is allowed for the first five to ten minutes. After that photography is still allowed, although no flash may be used. If you plan on attending a future event please take note that as no cell phones are allowed you will need to bring an actual camera.
While upstairs viewing the games live you are just inches from the action. During the
PHOTO: CATHY ROGERS
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