From the category archives:

Arne van Mourik

There Could Have Been More

by Arne van Mourik on October 24, 2008

There could have been more what? Published about the WMSG ! At home I studied newspapers of September 30th till October 19th and I did not know what to expect. I hoped to read more about draughts, chess, go and bridge than I did. Surpise was a report on Xiangqi, the chinese chess. All together though, the BIGGEST EVENT IN HISTORY OF MINDSPORTS should have earned more attention in our national press.   [click to continue...]

{ 0 comments }

People Behind The Screens

by Arne van Mourik on October 16, 2008

No tournament can exist without experts and volunteers making the happening work. While most attention is pointed to the sportsmen and sportswomen, they would be nowhere if they could not play. So, the referees, people of PR, tournament direction, technical support, internet, catering, security, cleaning and more deserve a great THANK YOU for doing their jobs well. I would like to thank especially Elly de Knikker, Martijn van der Klis, Marcel Kosters and Guido van den Berg who were always ready to help during my ‘weblog-sessions’ in the “technical room”. [click to continue...]

{ 2 comments }

Chinese Draughts Champions Of The Future

by Arne van Mourik on October 13, 2008

Alexander Georgiev is the king in draughts at the first World Mind Sports Games, Zoja Golubeva the queen. Alexander Getmanski, Tanja Chub, Guntis Valneris and Tamara Tansykkuzhina make up the members of honour at the draughts court. Though Chub earned a silver medal for the Netherlands it is crystal clear Eastern Europe still rules the waves of draughts. But for how long? The Dutch have planned to go training their talented youngsters more and more for the next events.

[click to continue...]

{ 1 comment }

Sour Mathematics For Dutch Players

by Arne van Mourik on October 10, 2008

Dama (draughts) and drama are often close. During the WMSG-draughts tournament the drama was mostly to be seen in the games themselves. Unbelievable outcomes both at the highest level and - much more! - at lower level left players in despair. Accurately constructed advantages blown away in one moment of carelessness, perfect tactical strategies failing at the critical moment when the endgame appears to win exactly … negative. All kinds of technical and psychological moments which do make the game that beautiful! Sour-sweet drama. [click to continue...]

{ 2 comments }

It’s A Small World

by Arne van Mourik on October 7, 2008

While a bunch of WMSG-internationals has played all over the world already, for most participants the games  are the ultimate reason to experience a totally different culture for the first time. One week in China - time’s flying when you’re having fun! - is by far not enough to start feeling familiar. All those peculiar stories every day! About the habits of both the Chinese and players from several far away countries. My dad even started a diary for the first time in his life, not to forget anything! [click to continue...]

{ 5 comments }

Smart Games For Smart People

by Arne van Mourik on October 5, 2008

The First World Mind Sports Games have had their first moves. The Chinese organisation shows the world why bridge, chess, draughts, go and xiangqi should be regarded as serious sports, heading for Olympic recognition. October 3rd, Friday evening 8 pm about 3000 participants from 143 countries walked into the Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium to enjoy a splendid opening ceremony. [click to continue...]

{ 4 comments }

Seven Hours Of Preparation

by Arne van Mourik on September 29, 2008

Every player in the WMSG will have some kind of preparation for the tournement. Those who consider themselves favourite for the title will study games of their main competitors. Others who just want to play a fine series of games, like myself, probably will only manage a ‘warm up’.                                 The day before yesterday I played my last match in competition before the China experience. And guess what, it came to be my longest game up to the present day! Quite a useful training…. [click to continue...]

{ 2 comments }

Five Mind Sports Standing Strong Together

by Arne van Mourik on September 26, 2008

For me the WMSG really are the trigger looking at mindsports other then draughts, too. I really didn’t know Go was that big in Asia -three television channels in Korea!! - and serious, I was unaware of “Chinese chess” being more popular in China than ‘normal chess’. Were you? More surprises are to be found surfing the net for WMSG in combination with chess, bridge, go or draughts…. Enjoy! [click to continue...]

{ 1 comment }

Holland and the world connected - International draughts in China

by Arne van Mourik on September 21, 2008

How a Dutch invention conquers the world towards Olympia ?

A DUTCH invention !? Yes, probably. Please read the draughts history part of the WMSG draughts site! There you may find the reason why so MANY Dutchmen and Dutchwomen are playing the 10×10 ‘International’ draughts in China. And NONE in the other draughts sections!

At The Games I am a Dutch blogger/participant, so my blog will mainly be written in Dutch. Sorry, guests from all over the world, I have to satisfy the public at home ! But don’t zapp to soon … every column will start with a (short) introduction in English. You’re very welcome to come back.
[click to continue...]

{ 4 comments }