Beyond The Realm of 64 Squares
As the founder of Chess Coffee Connect by SRCA ,a community initiative I conceptualised and built, I have always believed that the chess board belongs to everyone. What began as an idea to create a welcoming and meaningful space for players has transformed into a movement across Delhi NCR, run with the constant support of my mother , Dr. Nidhi Bhasin Rohilla.
At its heart, Chess Coffee Connect stands for one simple principle: Opportunity should not be a privilege reserved for a few, but a choice available to all. That is why specially-abled players participate free of cost at all our events.
Chess Coffee Connect was created to uplift the sport and foster a genuine community bonded by love for the game not ratings, titles, or background, but a shared passion.
Last week, as part of that vision, we organized a simul for visually impaired players at our event in South Delhi, where I had the privilege of playing with them. It was not merely a series of games, but a lesson in perspective and resilience which shall remain with me for life.
Across 64 squares, there are no barriers, only courage, calculation, and connection.
Many people are unaware that visually impaired players use specially designed tactile boards. The black squares are slightly raised, each piece has a peg that fits securely into holes on the board, and the pieces are identified through touch often with Braille markings. Some players announce their moves verbally and visualize the entire position mentally, much like blindfold chess.
As competitive players, visualization is a key part of our practice regime. Watching them calculate without ever seeing the board redefined that word for me. It was not just skill; it was discipline and mental clarity at another level.
The most meaningful part of the event was hearing the players describe their experience. Several spoke about the inclusivity they felt, something they had rarely experienced elsewhere. The games themselves were short, yet they played with remarkable confidence and board awareness. Their ability to calculate purely through touch and memory was both impressive and humbling.
Many expressed how welcomed and valued they felt. One player emphasized how rare it is to find events that are both accessible and financially viable. Currently supported by an NGO, they shared how opportunities like these make a tangible difference. For many differently-abled players, competitive platforms remain limited, not because of lack of talent, but because of accessibility and financial constraints.
Hearing that they felt truly included meant more than any result on the board.
That is precisely why I started Chess Coffee Connect.
It was built to bring people together, not only strong players or titled competitors, but anyone who loves the game. Inclusion is not charity; it is strength. If creating a free and welcoming platform enables even one talented player to shine brighter, then we are fulfilling our purpose.If you run a club, consider opening your doors wider. If you are a player, challenge your perception of limitations.
I walked away inspired. Their resilience, positivity, and competitive spirit reminded me why I fell in love with chess in the first place.
On 64 squares, there are no limitations.
Only possibilities.