Lockdown chess fan joins new BBC show
BBCA man who started playing chess to beat boredom in lockdown is to take part in a new BBC show about the game.
Chess Masters: The Endgame, hosted by Sue Perkins, will air at 20:00 GMT on Mondays on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two from 10 March for eight weeks.
Players from all backgrounds will take part in a series of challenges to avoid being eliminated before one is crowned Chess Champion.
Craig Robinson, 33, from Spalding, said he became "captivated" by the game after watching The Queen's Gambit on Netflix during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said: "Before that, I only knew how the pieces moved from having played with my dad when I was younger.
"When I saw The Queen's Gambit, I was just captivated by it. It was during Covid so I couldn't go out to a club or anything.
"So basically, I was self-taught via YouTube videos and books. And then as soon as Covid finished, I got a coach and I joined a club and went from there really. Now I'm playing chess for Lincolnshire and I help to run a club as well."
Mr Robinson said he is known as The Python due to his style of play.
'All on the line'
He said: "In terms of style of play, I like to try and gain as much space as possible and kind of just push my opponent back and restrict them.
"Hence the nickname. I just put it all on the line really, I suppose."
During each round of the competition, there will be commentary from UK Grandmaster and three-time British champion David Howell and chess coach and former Traitors contestant Anthony Mathurin.
Sue Perkins said she wanted to get involved in the show as she loves how people can "get lost" in the game.
She said: "I have attention issues which makes long games difficult but in 10-minute matches I find I can become completely absorbed.
"It's a kind of strategic, singular mindfulness. You're not just playing your opponent, you're testing yourself, your limits, your memory, your mental stamina.
"It's been over 30 years since chess was on our TV screens, and a lot has changed in that time," she said.
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