Chess is a board game played between two people, on a checkered 8×8 grid. The game involves a number of different pieces, each of which moves in their own unique way. The objective of the game is to “checkmate” the king, which means leaving the king no open squares while under the threat of capture. Competitive chess has been played since the 1880s. Numerous strategies, openings, and techniques have been developed to polish the game. 

Chess is a timed game, and players utilise the ‘chess clock’ to keep track of the total time each player takes for their own moves and ensure that neither player overly delays the game. The game has different variants depending on the requisite time control and increment. For example, in rapid chess, players have between ten and sixty minutes to make their moves. Blitz, on the other hand, allows a maximum of ten minutes each.

In BOSM, the matches are conducted in two formats. The first is the classical format, with each player getting sixty minutes along with a thirty-second increment after every move. The second is the blitz format, with 3 minutes a player along with two-second increments. 

The current captain, Rahul Bhagtani, gave the BOSM English Press some insight regarding the team, their preparation strategy, and what they plan to achieve this BOSM. The team has daily practices from 5:15 to 7:30 PM, where the members solve puzzles to improve their tactical skill and rotate within themselves while playing matches to improve their game. These practice sessions allow the players to identify their errors and keep their mind sharp.

When asked about competition, Rahul stated that Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) was their primary roadblock. Multiple international level players have helped the visiting team secure the gold medal in 2017 and 2018.

Rahul spoke in depth about the differences in the level of competition at BOSM compared to IIT sports meets. Having participated and won the runners up trophy in IIT Roorkee’s Sangram, he felt that the quality of players was much better due to their location, as well as the inter IIT rivalry promoting participation from all around the country. 

The team does not seem to be facing any issue with regards to resources, as chess mats and clocks are plentiful. Rahul also stated that he did not feel the need to hire a coach. 

The ‘A’ team has secured the silver medal in the last two editions of BOSM, failing to beat SRCC both times. However the captain claims that their current roster is the strongest team he has been a part of. Their biggest rivals are also not planning on sending their best players this year due to a clashing tournament elsewhere. Even so, the team will have to play exceptionally well to win the gold.

The team consists of 5 members: 4 players and one substitute. The selection process is still underway, but it is likely that one first year, two second years and a third and fourth year each, will be part of the team. When asked about new blood, Rahul mentioned two players who he expects good results. One is an international player, with a rating of 2086, and the other is a 1600 rated first year who plays beyond his ELO score.

The participation of students in team inductions was higher than ever this year. Around 90 or so people were present for the tryouts and only four made the final cut. Many people expected to be taught how to play the game but were disappointed to learn that only people with previous experience were eligible. Rahul feels that the short time constraint is the biggest factor here. He stated that websites and resources like chess.com, lichess.com and YouTube videos provide more than enough information for someone eager to learn. All that remains is to practice. 

Rahul Bhagtani is a third-year Mechanical engineering student from Mumbai. He was exposed to the game for the first time in the 2nd standard, but left it soon after, thinking it wasn’t for him. In 6th standard, a senior from his school who was recruiting for the chess club, a rated player himself, motivated him to work harder and be better. Since then he has participated in many tournaments. Examples include the All Maharashtra Open FIDE Rapid Rating tournament, IIT Bombay’s Avahan Open Tournament and Prakash Vaze Memorial Rapid Rating Tournament.