Chess Combat United

Amber Richards as Evelyn Knight and Graidon Mabson as Chase Mabson, photo by Trin Carl

An organization called Chess Combat United gives its members a chance to hone both their chess strategy and their fighting skills. On March 7th, the teams Corsairs vs The Roses fought in a match worth remembering.

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In 2009, Mike Lubke (producer) wrapped his senior year project at the University of Minnesota around a subject in theater he was passionate about: stage combat. Mike’s creation was to couch it as a modern sports game.

Evelyn Knight vs Chase Mabson

Chess combat has its roots in the Battle of Mansura. Each team has sixteen players and they assume the board according to the rules of chess.  The king shouts the coordinates of a move and play progresses according to chess rules until one piece moves to capture another. Then the square becomes contested and the two pieces must duel for control of the square, in which case everyone moves off the giant chess floor and the attacking pieces or players choose the weapon(s) they desire.

Weapons in this case were anything from swords, to sticks, to axes. One fighter in the game chose a cloth to cover his hands, creating a level of difficulty. Weapon choice depends on the fighter and their personality. “This sport is all about timing and efficiency.  How people get there depends on their style, but anyone can win,” said Darwin Hull (producer/media marketing).

In one fight, a player took their opponent by the neck and body slammed her.  The two landed on the chessboard with Iris Drapeau's (Disa Carneol) legs pinning "Death" (Nell Blackwoodson)  in a scissors hold, all the while she squirmed to get away.  Her attempts were no match for Iris Drapeau (Disa Carneol) .  Iris flipped her over with the sword only inches from her opponent's head, and the fight was over. The team cheered on the sidelines, tapping the ground and clasping their hands behind their heads to show obvious shock at the outcome.

“We don’t want to have a show that has twenty-six fights, because that would take all day, or four fights, because that wouldn’t be entertaining.  We’re constantly manipulating to make sure that it’s going to appeal to everyone,” said Darwin Hull. Christ Lutheran is a shared venue and the players receive a stipend. There are eight teams thus far and Mike Lubke hopes to expand over time.

With the Cosairs in the lead, come see what happens next! Check the site for upcoming matches and details.

Nell Blackwoodson as "Death" Nell Iverson (Rose) vs Disa Carneol as Iris Drapeau