Mediaboss Marketing

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KWWL) - While streaming movies, shows and live TV has become popular during the pandemic, you may recognize the name, 'The Queen's Gambit.'

The series is drawing attention to chess, and one local chess team, The Iowa Pawn Stormers, has expressed excitement about the Netflix show.

You may think their elation is in response to the gripping storyline. But Iowa Pawn Stormer dad, Craig Nelson, said it's all about the representation the show brings to the game his son loves.

"Getting to know more of the pieces and things like that, you know, such an old game," Nelson said. "Now bring it to the modern kids."

The story follows Beth Harmon, a woman who broke barriers by becoming a female grandmaster. The series shows many elements of chess.

Iowa Pawn Stormers head coach, James Hodina, told KWWL he applauded their accuracy.

"Everything around her is factual, the way they play the game, the way they set up the chess tournaments," Hodina said.

Hodina has coached many students, like Chase, to become advanced players. This also includes Kelton Holm, who is just six years old.

"I have a lot of trophies."

Growing Iowa's chess community, the pandemic also affected the sport, stopping all tournaments and in-person practices.

"Chess poses a lot of problems with COVID. You can't stay six feet apart. You're touching the same chess pieces back and forth," Hodina said.

However, in spite of it all, Hodina has noticed an increase in players.

"This is a record year for me in terms of participation," he said.

Not sure whether to correlate it with the show or the pandemic, Hodina is just happy to see chess get the hype it deserves.

"The 'Queens Gambit' showed that chess is still exciting."

The Iowa Pawn Stormers is a traveling chess team and has competed in multiple states. Until getting the green light to play again, the team practices every week over Zoom.

Originally posted here:
Local chess team is elated after 'The Queen's Gambit' puts their sport in the spotlight - kwwl.com