A Hammersmith Day in Jail

On the 8th of August three members of Hammersmith Chess Club, John White, Adam Cranston and myself, Frank Valle, donated some of our time to play 16 inmates from Wormwood Scrubs prison. We were joined by a South African medical student called Cheshni who shares our passion for chess.

 

This was organised and led by Peter Sullivan (thank you Peter) who liaises with different prisons trying to do activities to make the live of the inmates a bit better.

John took on 8 players in a simul, while Adam was placed on board 1, myself on board 2 and Cheshni on board 3.

The result of all the games was probably the least important, although the only defeat on the day came from my side when in a clear winning position I hung my queen. I ended up with 9 wins and 1 loss overall.

There were some good tough games for each of us. The prisoners were very polite, but tended to play very aggressive chess, often looking for quick wins. It was clear that many of them had some real potential, ready to be uncorked once a few strategic concepts have been learned.

We alternated opponents so everyone had the opportunity to play against one of us. For the 2-3 hours we spent playing chess, we could feel how they really appreciated us being there, not judging anyone for what they have done to end up in such a place, but what they probably don’t know is that it was as rewarding for us as it was probably for them. Peter was so impressed to see the behaviour and respect they showed to us. We were touched when they gave to each of us a laminated Chess board with the following writing on the sides:

“HMP Wormwood Scrubs Chess”
“Hammersmith Chess Club visits Wormwood Scrubs”
“A big welcome to Hammersmith Chess Club 8th August 2024”

This was my very first time inside of any prison, and I have no doubt that I will come back again if this can help them in any way.

From your Spanish friend and opponent (a weak one by the way).

Frank Valle

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