Defending the king

Ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions gathered together to play chess in Minsk

In diplomacy — much like in chess — the main thing is not to manoeuvre yourself into a zugzwang, where every subsequent move worsens your position. Therefore, good defensive skills, skillful gambits and mastery of the endgame are just as important in politics as they are on the chessboard. The Palace of Chess and Draughts hosted a fascinating and unusual team tournament, timed to coincide with the celebration of the International Day of Peace and the UN’s 80th anniversary. Belarus’ Foreign Affairs Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov gave a welcoming speech to the participants.

Simultaneous game session for diplomats given by chess grandmaster Denis Lazavik                 belta

Maxim Ryzhenkov knows perfectly well what chess is and how the knight moves — as a former Vice President at the NOC and Presidential Aide on Sports, the current head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs helped Belarusian chess to take a step in its development and checkmate many rivals in international tournaments. Opening the tournament, Maxim Ryzhenkov said, “Chess is of great importance in life. The skills that this game instills are used everywhere, including in diplomacy. Diplomats and politicians rearrange pieces, attack, sacrifice and build defences, striving to win. I confess, it is very uninteresting to win quickly by delivering a fool’s mate. You always want to find a worthy partner. Not a rival or opponent, but a partner. I am a supporter of diplomatic chess, which moves the process forward, solves issues, and does not drive it into even greater problems. In diplomacy, the main win is if the game ends in a good, combative draw, where there are no losers. But you, athletes, of course, need a result. Therefore, I wish you victory.” 
Representatives of 18 teams battled for the title of the strongest. There were real professionals — Belarus’ national team with its almost strongest line-up, the national team of the Republican Centre of Olympic Training for Chess and Draughts. Yet, what made this tournament truly wonderful is that amateurs, who found it interesting and insightful to test themselves in intellectual combat, were alongside professionals. Teams from diplomatic missions, representatives of the UN in Belarus, and the embassies of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan bravely joined the fray...
It is worth noting the atmosphere of smiles and goodwill that reigned in the playing halls and behind the scenes. It was especially palpable during the simultaneous game session given by the currently strongest Belarusian chess player, the young grandmaster, Denis Lazavik. This talented young man has beaten the famous champion, Magnus Carlsen, more than once, and on Friday his opponents were ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions. Everyone was captivated. Who won? Certainly, friendship! As it should be in true diplomacy.

By Sergei Kanashits