Chess

A great upsurge of interest in chess playing on the part of American teenagers has been a major development of recent years in the field of sports and recreation in the United States.

It is an enthusiasm that had its beginnings some 20 years ago, the older chess experts say. But they admit that they cannot put their finger on precisely what influences were responsible for its beginning and thereafter for its steady growth in popularity.

However that may be, there is no question nut that chess in America today is dominated by youth. The explosive growth in its popularity among high school and college students has never before been equalled.

To cite but one of many comparable events, some 1,400 boys and girls gather each summer in the midwestern city of Milwaukee to compete in a tournament that is now in Its twenty-third year. And all across America during the winter months youthful e are playing and defeating their graying elders in a thousand club matches and national, local and regional tournaments, including contest for the U.S. Championship, the U.S. Amateur Championship, the Intercollegiate Championship, the U.S. Junior Championship, and the U.S. Speed Championship.