Where to Play Chess in Baguio City

Baguio City is rich in chess history. The game of chess placed Baguio in the World Map during the 1978 World Chess Championship Match between Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi. It was during that time that chess was a game that is popular, even more popular, than basketball.

Today, chess is still popular in Baguio City. If you happen to be in Baguio City, the best place to play chess is in the Igorot Garden across Veniz Hotel (Burnham).  Whenever I travel to Baguio City, I prefer to stay in Hotel Veniz and from their restaurant I can see people, mostly retirees, playing chess.  Seeing these chess players focused and pushing chess pieces to win against an opponent is a reminder that chess never lost its allure.  There is really something about chess that attracts players of all generations and different walks of life despite the advent of the internet.  Chess can provide the needed challenge and entertainment to anyone who learns how to play the game.

I often see people playing chess from morning until late afternoon in Igorot Garden.  Boredom is not in the vocabulary of these players. Time moves fast for these players who enjoy chess despite the simplicity of everything around them.

This is what is great about chess. The game can be played in a very simple environment and with very inexpensive equipment. With a chessboard and a clock (and sometimes even without a clock), chess can be played. The equipment necessary to play chess is very simple and affordable.  There is no need for some fancy shoes or apparel. Once the chessboard is set up on the table, a chess game can begin at once.

With the advent of the internet and chess-playing apps, chess can now be played on cellphones and on any other gadget. You can now play chess with anyone in any country. There is no more limit on the time or nationality with whom you can play chess.