Dynamic Chess Duo Take to the Airwaves

School chess dynamos, Nina and Gracie shared their love of the game with BBC Radio Essex listeners this morning as Netflix series The Queen’s Gambit sparks a chess renaissance.

Second Year chess prodigy Nina, who is ranked sixth girl in the world for her age, was joined by fellow chess enthusiast Gracie to discuss the sport which has seen an online boom during lockdown and a worldwide surge in interest.

The Queen’s Gambit, a fictional mini-series following the life of orphan turned chess supremo Beth Harmon, is the number one trending show on the popular subscription-based streaming service.

Interviewed by Ben Fryer on the BBC Essex Breakfast Show, Nina and Gracie discussed their love of the game and the skills and travel opportunities it affords. They also highlighted the lesser known benefits of chess, including the strong social side to the sport.

Also joining this morning’s discussion was Nina’s dad Richard Pert, an International Chess Master, and Robin Slade, Brentwood School and Essex County Junior Chess Coach.

Brentwood School Master i/c of Chess, Mr Ian Walton said: “Chess is enjoying amazing popularity in the school at the moment with players of all levels - nearly a hundred have already signed up for the upcoming House competition. It fits in with so many aspects of our learner profile: creativity, problem-solving, reflection, resilience and much more and we are very keen to continue promoting it widely through our 11+ Chess Scholarships, Masterclasses and the many tournaments we run which are open to the wider community.”