My 13 year old son would like to play a game of chess on the giant chessboard (he's not a beginner). I'm assuming that he'll just need to wait his turn and be flexible. Is this correct? Are there special rules/procedures/social mores? I can find lots of photos online but not much information - I'm hoping this means it is not a big deal....
Posted by
Lawrenceville, Georgia
693 posts
Libby, I speak German and tried to find out via the German language Salzburg site where it is and what the rules are but can't find anything about the chessboard. Do you know where it's located? The one in Leipzig was inset into the pavement of the Old Market Square. Unless they had an event with a game going on (not often; actual people dressed as chess pieces) people just walked across the square on their business. Is the one in Salzburg similar or is it an actual chessboard? I'll do another search if you like. Regards, Anna
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
The heck we don't; we know everything here!
Having watched the proceedings, while Herself was going in stores -- there's a clipboard on a stand at one corner of the game.
If kid can write, have him place name there, if not make an X, but be sure to make it in german on account of the language barrier.
After that, nobody seems to look at the list, but knows whom he/she follows and just goes in turn. The winner, it seemed, may stay or not as he/she wishes.
I have no mores of any kind, so advice in this area would be from a dud.
Edit: What I saw was pieces, not people acting like pieces. It was totally informal. Passing by later, the stuff was just standing there with no players around.
Posted by
frostburg, md, usa
22 posts
I will be in Salzburg in a a week or so! The last time I was there was 15 years ago. One of my fondest memories was the chess board. It was unused each time my teenage brother and I passed it. But, one morning, two men, at least 150 years old, with long white beards were playing a spirited game. We didn't understand the language but I think we call is "trash talking" now. Anyway, one man's little white dog wandered onto the chess board! The other shook his fist and yelled, "das hund" over and over. It was hillarious to watch because it appeared that a lot was riding on the game. Your son should wait it out -- he'll always remember it, I think.
Posted by
OP
Eager to return!
37 posts
Thanks everybody - especially Ed. Son will be sure to write his name in German.
Terri - we may pass each other. We're in Salzburg the weekend of the 18th - is that the same weekend or am I a week after you? I think you're right, he'll remember it forever, if he actually goes through with it. We tried to get him to play in Paris (Lux. Gardens) three years ago but he turned shy at the last moment. I think he'll play this time.