In Summary
- Kenya under 16 chess team leave for Eindhoven Netherlands to take part in the world under 16 World Olympiad.
- 12 years old Bernice Gikandi with an outstanding record from her current age to compete in under 18.
- 16 World Olympiad will be held from 12th to 19th August 2023 in Eindhoven Netherlands.
Kenya under 16 chess team comprising of a 12-year-old girl Bernice Gikandi will depart to Eindhoven Netherlands to take part in the world 16 World Olympiad. In the team also are Hawi Kaloki, Paul Olando and Kyle Kuka. The world 16 World Olympiad will take place from 12th to 19th August 2023.
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About Gikandi, the 12-year Chess star
12 years old Bernice Gikandi has an outstanding record having moved from her current age to compete in under 18 and went ahead to win it. She is coached by her mum and plays against her to master the game.
Last year she registered in boy’s categories during the National championship and won.
Bernice has represented Kenya in African youth in 2021 in Ghana, 2022 in Lusaka Zambia and world youth in Batumi Georgia. She admitted to Ghetto Radio that the boys’ category was very challenging.
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She felt discouraged being she’s 12 years playing with 18 years old boys, but despite the gender issue she beat all of them and won!
Bernice began to play Chess while she was 5 years old is now determined to be the best chess player in the world.
Chess according to Gikandi
Chess is an abstract strategy game that involves no hidden information and no elements of chance. It is played on a chessboard with 64 squares arranged in an 8×.
Chess has mind engaging game rules which the players must be well versed in. One has to master Pawn promotion, insufficient material draw, fifty move public and Three-Fold Repetition.
It was invented in 200 BC by commander Han Xin who invented the game as a battle simulator from there chess became a game, The highest awarded title in chess is the grand master apart aside from world champions.
By Milo George
