Little grandmasters

Michael (14) from Redleiten can go to the World Chess Championships

(Bild: Anton Steinhuber)

Even primary school children often spend hours concentrating on the chessboard. A youth coach explains how the game works for the youngest players.

Our young people are only on their cell phones or computers? Not at all! Local young chess talents train several times a week for their intellectual sport. Even primary school children show a lot of stamina, sometimes concentrating on a game for hours on end. "Of course, only the best have the patience for games lasting several hours," says Florian Mostbauer. "That's a huge advantage for school, as it makes it much easier for the children in class."

Michael (14) is state champion
Florian Mostbauer (28) from Asten trains children from all over Upper Austria. The coach estimates that there are around 500 active youth players in our province. One of them is Michael Wimmer (14) from Redleiten near Frankenburg. The schoolboy is regarded as one of Austria's greatest talents and recently proved this at the national championships: Michael was crowned state champion in his age group. The young champion can now travel to either the European Championships in Romania or the World Championships in Italy in the fall.

On the board at six
However, the careers of top talents begin at primary school age. "You start playing chess at the age of six or seven," says coach Mostbauer. The crucial thing with the youngest children is not to overdo it right from the start. "Many younger children don't manage to organize their time in such a way that they are sufficiently concentrated at the important moments."

Stamina is therefore required. The children need it too: "The younger ones train two to three times a week. Many also play with their parents. The over-14s are already training around ten hours a week." By the way, it doesn't work completely without computers: many training sessions take place online.

Tournament in the PlusCity
At the weekend, chess will be in full swing at PlucCity: "100,000 people will experience chess on 150 boards set up across the entire mall," says Michael Stöttinger, President of the chess association. From Friday to Sunday, players from all over the world will be competing in the Upper Austrian shopping center, including 40 grandmasters. Players can still register spontaneously on site up to one hour before the competitions.