Know Your 🇨🇦 Masters: A Jolly Good Chess Interview With Santa
by Olga Mushtaler and Erik Malmsten
Did you know that Santa Claus plays chess? Although he’s very busy getting ready for Christmas, Santa has been kind enough to spare a few minutes for an interview.
Q: Santa, we are so happy to have you with us tonight. We know you started playing chess a while back. Could you share what inspired you to pick up the game?
A: Ho ho ho! Well, you know the elves love playing games. During their breaks, they’d sit around the workshop playing with chess pieces carved out of gingerbread cookies. I thought if those little rascals can outsmart each other on the board, surely, I can give it a go, too. And eat some cookies.
Q: Is it true that the reindeer also play chess? Which reindeer plays the best?
A: Blitzen. He is so fast. Ho, ho, ho.
Q: What’s your favourite opening as White?
A: Santa Claus Gambit. Give up an e4 pawn early but gain the wHOOOle center in return!
Q: What is your favourite opening as Black?
A: The Christmas Tree Variation of the Dutch. It’s so pretty, I just want to put a string of lights along the pawns.
Q: What’s your favourite square?
A: [drags his finger from a1 to h1, then points below h1] H. O. Ho. Ho.
Q: Favourite file?
A: The H, ho, ho, ho file.
Q: Which part of the game is your favourite?
A: The wHOOOle game.
Q: How do you prepare for a big match?
A: I prepare like I pack my sleigh—carefully and with a long checklist. And of course, plenty of milk and cookies for energy.
Q: What advice do you have for players who want to improve their chess?
A: Make a list of all the pieces that are attacked, and check your list twice before moving. Ho ho ho! Don’t rush into a blunder, and always have a plan. And remember, chess is about being together with friends, joy and creativity—much like Christmas!
Q: And what do you do when you do blunder?
A: I don’t cry or pout -- I laugh, ho ho ho, I love giving gifts and maybe I’ll receive the next one.
Q: Any other advice?
A: I know when bishops have been good and when they have been bad, so don’t leave them locked behind the pawns for goodness sake.
Q: Could you give us a puzzle?
A: Sure! Here is my favourite Christmas Tree puzzle from my friend GM Pal Benko. White to move and checkmate in 2.
Q: What do you do when Mrs. Claus beats you at chess?
A: I nod my head and offer her some eggnog. She’s a fierce competitor and knows how to slay the endgame. I think Blitzen has been giving her lessons.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge when playing chess in the North Pole?
A: Keeping the hands warm while playing ho ho ho.
Q: If you could change one chess rule, what would it be?
A: I’d make it so every pawn that promotes has to say “Ho Ho Ho” before becoming a queen.
