“The Queen’s Gambit” is playing out in real life in Maine, where a custodian is coaching his schools’ chess teams to national acclaim
Custodian and chess coach David Bishop challenges 6th-grader Owen Isenhour during after-school practice, Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in Hampden, Maine. Under Bishop's tutelage, the Reeds Brook Middle School chess team has gained national recognition. HAMPDEN, Maine — — David Bishop spends the school day as a mild-mannered custodian, but before the final bell rings, he grabs his chess boards and pieces and begins his second role.
Nationwide, chess is riding a new wave of popularity, and it's not just because of the popular Netflix mini series based on the 1983 book by Walter Tevis. “What we are seeing is an unprecedented period of boom, like nothing before,” said Leon Watson, spokesperson for Chess.com. “It definitely feels like chess is having a moment.”He was burned out from his job in the telecommunications industry and took an early retirement package at age 50. He was exploring new opportunities in the field — and not having much luck — when someone told him about a school custodial job. He figured it would be mean less stress.
Eli Marquis, 12, said the chess players are constantly learning new skills and tactics — like opening and closing moves — allowing them to improve and ensuring they don’t get bored. “Chess is so good for them, and most of them don’t know it," their coach said."They’re just playing chess, but it's like a workout for the brain."
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