By Bailey Scott
Roommates, and chess amateurs, Aiden Hirsch and Austin Chee are set to begin their chess game later tonight. Both have been busy all weekend, but have finally found the time for a rematch.
Hirsch and Chee are both seniors at Boston University. Chee is a physical therapy major, while Hirsch is studying psychology on a pre-med track. Both currently play for the Boston University Men’s Ultimate Frisbee team. Neither has extensive chess experience.
Their head-to-head record stands with Chee well ahead, having won 5 of their last 7 matches. Both are slow, thoughtful players.
The match will take place in their South Campus apartment, and consist of a single match format, but more games will be played if necessary. Their real-life moves will be put into lichess.com’s Analysis Board for board state updates.
It will be standard chess, with no clock. Chee is white, Hirsch is black.
Follow along for live updates.
First moves — 10:52 PM EST
Both players have made their opening moves. Chee has opted for a more aggressive opening, while Hirsch might be trying to activate his queen early.
Chee’s aggression continues — 10:59 PM EST
The board state has progressed considerably in the opening minutes, with Chee continuing a strong start. Hirsch, meanwhile, has elected to start progressing his knight.
Fast pace play is the norm — 11:08 PM EST
Both players have continued to play moves rapidly, but now appear to be slowing down. Chee has progressed a bishop, while Hirsch has activated his second knight.
Boring play ensues, no pieces taken yet — 11:18 PM EST
Both Hirsch and Chee has elected to play safe this game, resulting in no lost pieces. Hirsch threatened a trade, his knight for Chee’s bishop, but the trade was refused.
CASTLE!! — 11:24 PM EST
Chee has castled, the most exciting move of the game so far. Otherwise, he continues to be aggressive with his knight.
First piece taken! — 11:29 PM EST
Hirsch overextended with his knight, which Chee immediately took. This game is finally heating up.
Bathroom break — 11:32 PM EST
Hirsch needed to use the bathroom briefly
Play resumes — 11:34 PM EST
Hirsch has returned from the bathroom, and play has resumed.
More pieces taken — 11:36 PM EST
Two more pieces have been taken, both pawns.
FIRST CHECK OF THE GAME — 11:38 PM EST
Hirsch has activated his queen and forced the first check of the game.
Game continues to heat up — 11:43 PM EST
Chee has escaped check and taken Hirsch’s rook in a surprise attack. Hirsch responded by castling. Only time will tell if that was a good move or not.
A flurry of moves — 11:47 PM EST
The game has turned into a slugfest, with both players making moves very quickly. At this rate, the game will be over soon.
Hirsch’s queen threatens — 11:51 PM EST
Hirsch has made several threatening moves with his queen, taking Chee’s rook in the process. Chee has been unable to find a response.
Coverage concludes — 11:53 PM EST
Unfortunately, coverage for this event has concluded, due to the author having other homework to do tonight. The game however, will continue, as both Hirsch and Chee have finished their work for the weekend.
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