If you're visiting Amsterdam in the near future, don't forget to drop by at Laurierstraat 76, in the Jordaan area, close to the Anne Frank House. It's currently the best place to play a friendly game of chess, with excellent background music (mostly rock and jazz), a beer beside the board and, yes, it's still possible there: to smoke a cigarette. A video report on the cafe, and the 64-player Knockout Tournament it's hosting this spring.
By coincidence, both me (Peter Doggers) and co-editor Arne Moll will be playing our first round tonight at the Laurierboom. So if you happen to be in the neighbourhood, do come along!