The Hidden Links Between Chess And Aviation
Dear passengers,
This is Captain Bristow speaking. Welcome aboard flight CH355, operated by Chess.com Airlines. Today, my cabin crew and I are going to take you on an amazing trip through the history and curious links between aviation and chess. This will be a short but memorable flight, so please stay seated and keep your eyes on the screen so as not to miss anything. The weather along the route is perfect, with a bright sky that will allow you to see all the things we have planned. Some clouds in the shape of chess pieces are to be expected, but they only add to the experience.
Before take-off, I would like to remind you that smoking is prohibited during the entire flight. Please make sure your seat belts are securely fastened, follow the safety instructions given by the stewardess, and read the safety card located in front of your seat. While we wait for ATC clearance, I would also like to give you an overview of our itinerary. This is a very special flight where the journey is more important than the destination. Our cruising altitude will be 30,000 feet, where we will pass the following points of interest:
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1 - Aviation sponsored chess events
1.1 - Aeroflot Open
1.2 - Henri Coandă Brainyport
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2 - Chess and Air Traffic Control
2.1 - How are they related?
2.2 - My personal experiences
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3 - Personalities connected with chess and aviation
3.1 - Alexander Graham Bell
3.2 - Ed Edmonson
3.3 - Max Euwe
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4 - Chess variants with airplanes
4.1 - Aviation Chess
4.2 - Aeroplane Chess
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5 - A chessboard with aircraft types
5.1 - Kings
5.2 - Queens
5.3 - Rooks
5.4 - Bishops
5.5 - Knights
5.6 - Pawns
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6 - Extra curious facts
6.1 - SAS and the Play Magnus App
6.2 - A game between a chess master and a pilot
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7 - Landing
7.1 - Conclusion
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1 - AVIATION SPONSORED CHESS EVENTS
1.1 - Aeroflot Open
Cabin crew, prepare for take-off!
Our flight begins by introducing you to an annual open chess tournament played in Moscow and sponsored by the Russian airline Aeroflot. Founded in 2002, this event quickly became one of the strongest open tournaments in the world. The first edition had about 80 grandmasters participating, while the second already had more than 150 grandmasters.
The tournament uses the Swiss system, and the winner is invited to the Dortmund Chess Tournament, which is held later in the same year. Some famous champions were Baadur Jobava, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Lê Quang Liêm, Sergey Karjakin, and Vladimir Fedoseev.
Besides the main tournament (A-group), there are also B- and C-class tournaments for players with lower ratings. In 2013, it was changed to a rapid and blitz event. Today, due to the geopolitical conflicts involving Russia, the tournament does not have the same prestige as in the past, but still attracts some top players, such as the Iranian super grandmaster and last winner Amin Tabatabaei.
Let us keep our fingers crossed that this situation will be resolved as soon as possible, so that we can hopefully enjoy this event again in the near future with the presence of the best players in the world!
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1.2 - Henri Coandă Brainyport
Another chess event related to aviation is the Henri Coandă Brainyport, which takes place in the departure terminal of the Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest and is organized in partnership with the Romanian Chess Federation.
While waiting for their flights, passengers have the opportunity to challenge young European and world champions to a game of chess in the airport. People of all ages and nationalities praised the project and received medals at the end. The event was attended by representatives of the Romanian Chess Federation and the Bucharest Airports National Company (CNAB).
Bogdan Mîndrescu, CNAB General Manager, said in an interview:
Henri Coandă Brainyport is part of “CNAB - a value promoter” program and we are honored to support young talents by promoting this sport of the mind, meaning strategy, perspicacity, intelligence and clear rules, very much alike our day-by-day work here, at the airport.
And there was an even bigger surprise, the International Master Elisabeta Polihroniade also attended and challenged the passengers to a game. Sadly, this was her only chance to participate, as she passed away less than a year later. I’m sure she left great memories for those who had the chance to play with her.
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2 - CHESS AND AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL
2.1 - How are they related?
Of course, as an air traffic controller with a passion for chess, I had to talk about it in this text. But instead of just saying what I think, I found this very interesting article published by Jean-Marc Alliot and Jean-François Bosc, which shows and discusses the connections between the two fields.
In it, the authors identify several similarities and differences between both activities. Many say that controlling the traffic at a busy airport can be thought of almost as playing 4D chess, with so many variables and considerations to take into account with each decision. Fortunately, I'm better at this than at the chessboard.
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The similarities include:
• Human individual and intellectual activity;
• Strong time constraints;
• Important theoretical and empirical knowledge;
• Short and long term forecasting.
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However, some relevant differences are also mentioned, such as:
• Predictable vs. incompletely predictable universe;
• Playing against a human vs. an entity that is "The Traffic";
• Different levels of consequences. (I'm glad no one dies when I blunder my queen).
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Feel free to read the article in detail and learn more about my job. I liked it very much, especially the part about the chess programs, which could deserve a whole blog on its own.
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2.2 - My personal experiences
But if that is too technical and far removed from everyday life, let me share some experiences of a Kiwi ATC who is also a chess lover, player, and blogger. I hope you know who I'm talking about.
Some moments when chess played an important role in my career as an air traffic controller:
1. During an internship in Germany, I used to go sporadically to a chess club in Wolfsburg. Back in Auckland, I started looking for new opportunities for an internship, but also for places to play chess. Coincidence or not, I found both at the same time, through a professor with whom I played some chess games, and who later recommended me for a project in the ATC department at Auckland Airport.
2. Years later, in Brazil, my passion for chess was fully rekindled, as almost all the ATCs at Pampulha Airport were big chess fans and even organised some internal tournaments. Guess who won most of them? Not me, I only won once.
3. My knowledge of some chess programs helped me to develop a project for Air New Zealand to reduce the turning time of the aircraft at the gates. Read more about it here (section 3).
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3 - PERSONALITIES CONNECTED WITH CHESS AND AVIATION
3.1 - Alexander Graham Bell
You may have heard of Alexander Graham Bell (Edinburgh, Scotland, 3 March 1847) as the inventor of the telephone, but did you know that he was also one of the pioneers of aviation? That's right, after moving to Canada, he was one of the founders of a Canadian-American aeronautical research group, the Aerial Experiment Association (AEA).
Among his many contributions, he was responsible for the development of major technical innovations such as the tricycle landing gear (read more). His contributions earned him a place in Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame.
Okay, we understood that he is closely related to aviation. But what about chess? Well, one of the episodes that sparked his interest in science was when his father took him to see an automaton based on The Mechanical Turk, a mechanical device built a hundred years earlier that could play chess against human opponents (read more).
So yes, if it wasn't for the passion he and his father had for chess, maybe Graham Bell wouldn't have become an inventor, and who knows if modern aeroplanes would have a different type of landing gear... perhaps this could even be part of my text "The Butterfly Effect: How Chess Has Changed History".
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3.2 - Ed Edmondson
Edmund Edmondson, born in Rochester, New York, on 13 August 1920, was President of the United States Chess Federation (USCF) from 1963 to 1966 and, right after that, also took over the position of Executive Director, which he held from 1966 to 1975.
Edmondson played a key role in Bobby Fischer's path to the 1972 World Chess Championship. Rumour has it that he asked Pal Benko, who had qualified for the 1970 Interzonal, to give up his place for Fischer. Benko realised that Fischer had a much greater chance of winning and agreed in return for a fee of $2,000. He is also credited with greatly expanding the USCF and served as Fischer's manager during the 1970 Interzonal and 1971 Candidates Tournament.
His association with aviation dates back to his youth, when Ed served in the United States Air Force during World War II. During his service, he reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was a navigator on tanker aircraft. His career in the military lasted two decades and he always used his influence in that field to promote chess in the communities where he was stationed.
Edmonson died on 21 October 1982 in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the age of 62.
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3.3 - Max Euwe
Another chess player with a connection to aviation is Max Euwe, former World Chess Champion between 1935 and 1937, and later President of FIDE between 1970 and 1978. Anyway, I don't think I need to write a huge biography about him here, as I assume most of you know who he is and can also look him up in other sources.
His link with aviation may not have been as strong as that of the other two mentioned above, but Euwe knew how to fly aeroplanes and had flying as a hobby, even holding a private pilot's licence for smaller types.
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4 - CHESS VARIANTS WITH AIRPLANES
4.1 - Aviation Chess
Now I would like to introduce you to some chess variants involving airplanes. To be honest, I had no idea about them before writing this text, but there are so many different variants that it would be a real novelty if there were none with an aviation theme.
The first is called "Aviation Chess". The rules are simple. The "aviators" are placed on the b and g files instead of pawns. Like bishops, they fly along the diagonals, but like knights, they can jump over any number of pieces, to an empty square or capture an opponent.
In addition, the Aviator on the initial position (b2/b7, g2/g7) can only be captured by pawns and regains its immunity when it returns there. We can say that these squares are like their "hangar", the safest place they can be.
Apart from that, the variant follows orthodox rules. According to studies, the aviator is initially worth more than a rook, but in the endgame, if there is only one aviator left, it is often worth exchanging it for a rook, which is generally better. Like bishops, they are particularly dangerous when they cooperate, but one alone cannot achieve checkmate together with the king.
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4.2 - Aeroplane Chess
While the first variant was very similar to chess, this second one has chess almost only in its name. It is a Chinese board game called "Aeroplane Chess", similar to the Western game of Ludo. Developed in the 20th century, it uses aeroplanes as pieces.
The game's inventor is unknown, but today it is produced by several different companies, as it has already entered the public domain and now ranks as one of China's classic modern board games.
The full rules cannot be explained in this short section, so I will leave you with the link to the Wikipedia page where you can read them in more detail, but basically, the players try to get all of their own aircraft from their hangars in the corners into the base of their own color in the center.
On his turn, a player rolls a die and may do the following:
• Move an airplane from the hangar to the adjacent launch area. This can only be done by rolling a five or six.
• Move a plane already on the board clockwise, the number of spaces indicated by the die.
The first player to get all their planes to the base wins.
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5 - A CHESSBOARD WITH AIRCRAFT TYPES
5.1 - Kings
OK, now it is time for one of those silly analogies I love making. So, tell me, if you had to set up a chessboard using airplanes, which ones would you choose? I already have my two teams and will present them to you, starting with the Kings.
One side would be represented by the Antonov An-225 Mriya, the largest aircraft ever produced, whose maiden flight occurred on December 21, 1988. With a length of 84 meters and a wingspan of 88.4 meters, this giant can easily be considered the king of the skies. Unfortunately, he is no longer among us.
Its counterpart would be the Airbus A380, the largest wide-body passenger aircraft, with a total capacity of about 600 people, including passengers and cabin crew. Although it hasn't been a huge success in terms of sales, this monster attracts attention wherever it goes because of its imposing strength and robustness.
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5.2 - Queens
After them, we come to the queens. There were many suitable options, but the first one was certainly the Boeing 747, popularly known as the "Queen of the Skies", so yes, the choice was pretty obvious. Launched in 1968 by perhaps the world's most famous aircraft manufacturer, this iconic machine was one of the first ever wide-body jets.
Its total capacity was 467 passengers. Today, due to the presence of four engines and the high fuel consumption, this model is practically no longer used for passenger transportation, but a queen never loses her majesty.
On the other side of the board is the Airbus A350, perhaps the most popular long-range aircraft from the famous European manufacturer. Launched in 2010, this model is the darling of many airlines around the world due to its huge capacity of 369 passengers, but also its reliability, low noise, and, above all, great efficiency.
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5.3 - Rooks
The rooks are smaller and not as powerful as the queens, but they are still very important pieces, capable of controlling the whole board and covering long distances. So again, the best analogy is with the two most popular aircraft in the world. Do you know them?
The first team is represented by the Boeing 737, the best-selling aircraft in history and still the most widely flown in the world. Designed to seat 230 passengers, it is so magnificent that almost 70 years after it was designed in the 1960s, it is still far from retired and continues to dominate the main stage.
Against it is the exceptional Airbus A320, which in its NEO (New Engine Option) version is now the most ordered aircraft by airlines around the world. Its fuel efficiency and good performance over short and long distances make it a true marvel of modern aeronautical engineering.
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5.4 - Bishops
Time to talk about the bishops. They are efficient pieces that work together and help each other to cover the board. Despite not having the same capacity as rooks and queens, they are still a crucial part of the whole system.
It is represented by the Brazilian Embraer-E190, which belongs to the E-Jet family, a group of narrow-body regional jets. This version can carry up to 124 passengers and is very popular not only in Brazil but all over the world. Many European airlines, such as the Dutch KLM, have them in their fleet.
On the opposite side of the board is the ATR-72, by far the most widely flown regional aircraft in the world. This turboprop type, produced in France and Italy, has a seating capacity of 72 passengers, hence its name. In addition to civilian use, it has also been used for corporate transport, cargo, and maritime patrol.
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5.5 - Knights
What about the knights? Their job is to cover short distances with frequent jumps all over the board. You never know when you might need them, but when you do, they prove their worth. Here, the best choice is to go for luxurious business jets that fit the true nobles they are.
The first is the Phenom 300, a low-wing jet produced by Embraer, and my favorite in this category of aircraft. Launched in 2008, it can carry up to 11 passengers and is perfect for executives of large companies who don't have time to waste and need every comfort to work while flying.
Another great example is the Global 8000, an ultra-long-range business jet from Canadian manufacturer Bombardier. Launched in 2018, this modern aircraft is equipped with everything needed to work efficiently in the skies. Today, there is one being used even by the Swiss Air Force.
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5.6 - Pawns
Last but not least, the pawns! Small and seemingly insignificant pieces, so numerous that you hardly notice one of them, but nevertheless the basis of everything and indispensable to the game. In the aeronautical industry, too, many types fit this description.
The main one is the Cessna 172, a beautiful single-engine aircraft from one of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers. Although I haven't found the exact data, I can assure you that this type is one of the most used by flying schools around the world to train new pilots who will keep the wheel of business turning.
The other is the Cirrus SR20, which is also very popular at schools and, in my opinion at least, a bit easier to operate. Although less common than its counterpart above, this type of aircraft has an indispensable value and is also the favorite of many amateur pilots for many different missions.
Check out the full board below:
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6 - EXTRA CURIOUS FACTS
6.1 - SAS and the Play Magnus App
Did you know that Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) included the Play Magnus app in their entertainment system back in 2016? It is no surprise considering that the company is, as the name suggests, based in Scandinavia, which is made up of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, the home country of Magnus Carlsen.
One question that came to my mind was: if you are on a Scandinavian Airlines flight, do you always have to play the Scandinavian Defense? (1. e4 d5) I think this is a fair question, but I couldn't find this very important information anywhere.
All joking aside, during the release announcement, the CEO of Play Magnus AS, Kate Murphy, stated:
At Play Magnus we are excited that SAS shares our passion for innovation, and that SAS, through this partnership, takes such an active part in our mission to use chess as a fun tool to make the world a smarter place.
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6.2 - A game between a chess master and a pilot
And to finish this article, let's see how an airplane pilot plays chess against a Woman Grandmaster. Last year, the Russian-Israeli WGM Dina Belenkaya, who is also a famous streamer and YouTuber, posted a video where she played against a man called Strata at the Bushwick Chess Club in New York-USA.
Well, ok, let's be fair to the pilot class and point out that he is not only a pilot, but also a graphic designer, illustrator, and graffiti artist, so I assume he is not a full-time professional. Still, I found it quite interesting and fun to watch. Have a look at the video below:
Or, if you are too busy or not in the mood to watch, here is the PGN of this friendly game. In the end, as expected, Dina won quite comfortably. Actually, Strata lost on time, but the position was already completely won for Black anyway.
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7 - LANDING
7.1 - Conclusion
Cabin crew, prepare for landing!
I hope you enjoyed your flight! Thank you for choosing Chess.com Airlines and we hope to see you aboard again soon. Here we offer you different trips around the chess world every day, not only with me, Captain Bristow, but also with many other pilots who share their passion for chess in their blogs... oops, flights.
I have finally written the text that I have been so eager to publish! Working as an air traffic controller for so many years has certainly given me a real passion for airplanes and the whole system involved in the operation of so many flights to provide passengers with a high level of safety.
I promised myself that, in 2024, I would unite these two passions in one text. The year is almost over, but I’m still on time. Every line of this article was written with a smile and a very good feeling. Maybe it is not my most technical, most interesting, or funniest blog, but from now on it is without a doubt my favorite!
I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! See you on December 15th.
And remember:
