Norway Chess teamed up with Norges Sjakkforbund and SkoleSjakken to bring Peace of Chess to the waterfront outside the Nobel Peace Center. Twenty school teams. Giant pieces. Brilliant kids.

While the world’s best players competed at Deichman Bjørvika this week, something equally special was happening just down the road. On Tuesday, twenty primary school teams gathered at Brynjulf Bulls Plass for Peace of Chess, an outdoor team chess tournament played on large park sets with oversized pieces. The sun was out, the atmosphere was fantastic and the plaza was full of activity well before the first round.

IMAGE: Registration and welcome speech. Norway Chess / Signator

Brynjulf Bulls Plass came alive on Tuesday as twenty school teams took on the giant boards.

Peace of Chess is exactly what the name suggests. Organised together with Norges Sjakkforbund and SkoleSjakken, the tournament brought children from primary schools across the city together for a day of chess, teamwork and friendly competition, right in the shadow of the Nobel Peace Center.

This year’s field had an extra dimension. A team from Spain joined as part of an annual exchange programme — the winners of the Norwegian tournament travel to Spain in the autumn, while the Spanish winners make the trip to Norway. Alongside them was a team from British International School of Stavanger (BISS), who earned their place by winning the elementary school title at a similar school tournament held in Sandnes in late April, and took the trip up to Oslo to compete.

IMAGE: Team from Spain. Norway Chess / Signator

IMAGE: BISS team, elementary school winners, Sandnes. Norway Chess / Signator

What made the format stand out was the teamwork rule. All four active players had to discuss and agree on every move before anyone touched a piece, taking turns to make the actual move. The boards were full of huddles, whispered tactics and the occasional burst of celebration. Every team brought real energy and commitment throughout the day.

Every move had to be agreed by the whole team before anyone could touch a piece.

Teams from primary school years 1 through 7 competed over five group rounds before finals and placement matches. Each team had between four and six players, with at least two girls and two boys per team. Every participant went home with a Norway Chess chess set.

IMAGE: Every participant went home with a Norway Chess chess set. Norway Chess / Signator

Rustad Skole took first place and will represent Norway in a partner tournament in Spain this autumn, with all costs covered. A worthy winner of a wonderful day.

IMAGE: Prize giving: Rustad Skole team with their award. Norway Chess / Signator

A huge thank you to all twenty teams, their leaders and everyone who came to watch. Days like this are why we love chess!

Peace of Chess was organised by Norway Chess, Norges Sjakkforbund and SkoleSjakken  ·  skolesjakken.no/parksjakk-regler