CHESS AT PRISON

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30776, 14 June 1965, Page 17

CHESS AT PRISON

Tuition Given Imnates

Chess is becoming popular at Paparua Prison, according to the president of the Canterbury Chess Club (Mr A. S. Hollander). During the last few months, he and another member of the club, Mr A. J. Nyman, have visited the prison regularly to teach the finer points of the game to the prisoners and to play against them. “Being allowed to join in the chess classes has become quite a ‘perk’ for the prisoners." said Mr Hollander. “At first only six were allowed to come. Because of the demand, the number was raised to 10. and there is still a waitinglist.” , Messrs Hollander and Nyman play simultaneously against five opponents each. They give demonstrations, both of the normal “slow” chess and the five-minute game, and they hold teaching sessions. Mr Hollander says one of the prisoners, known to him as “Dick,” holds promise of being a very strong player. The visits began when six members of the club played a six-man team of prisoners. For various reasons, a twoman visit was decided on as. preferable under present con-I ditions, and since then Messrs | Hollander and Nyman have visited the prison once a month.