How to run a cosplay chess match
HOW TO BE A PIECE
So you, the lucky cosplayer, have applied to a chess match and gotten in. Aren’t you excited! But now comes the big uh-oh: you have no idea what to do now that you’re a piece.
Have no fear!
There isn’t really much that you need to know or do in order to be a piece, but here are the answers to some questions that you might have.
FAQ:
Q: I don’t know how to play chess. I’ve never played chess before. Do I need to know how in order to be a piece?
A: No. The directors of the match will tell you where and how to move. For example: two spaces forward and one space to the left; five spaces diagonal and to the right.
Q: How should I act on the chess board?
A: Be in character! In essence, you weren’t chosen to be on the board; your character was. That means that instead of being Bobby or Kaitlin, you’re Ichigo or Sakura. Act how your character would. If another piece from your series gets taken out on the board, and your character would mourn them, don’t be afraid to run into the middle of the board and scream, “NOOOOO!”
Q: How should I act with other pieces/players?
A: Be sure to give them space and respect. The costumes on the board should all be self-contained, but in case the piece next to you has a huge foofy dress (and you’re wearing a little bitty one), make sure the cosplayer has some extra space. They, or someone, worked hard on that outfit, and would not want it to be ruined by an accidental step on a hem.
Q: How should I attack other pieces?
A: The most important thing to remember is to NOT touch any of the other pieces. Unless your director gives you the OK, don’t even touch weapons. Some weapons are delicate props that people have spent countless hours on. Don’t destroy them in a faulty chess move.
There are two ‘attacks’ per death sequence. The dying piece should attack first. Their attack should miss or be weak. Then the winning piece should attack. Be careful to not ‘sneak attack’ another piece. Do not go behind them! No physical contact, remember? Do not continue to attack after you have been killed! Die, and then leave the board. Each attack sequence should be no longer than ten or fifteen seconds.
Also, be in character when you attack. Princess Peach would not throw a punch at a character, she might use a fruit or her umbrella. A weak character might run away before the Joker can attack him.
Q: I just got killed! What now?
A: After your death sequence is done, leave the board. Most matches will have a place to seat the ‘dead’ pieces. It is polite to stay and watch the end of the match, but if you have somewhere else to be, sometimes you can leave. Chess matches, when done properly, are lots of fun to watch and be part of. You also may want to see a swift justice carried out on the piece that killed you.
More questions? Anything else you want to know? Feel free to ask!
So you, the lucky cosplayer, have applied to a chess match and gotten in. Aren’t you excited! But now comes the big uh-oh: you have no idea what to do now that you’re a piece.
Have no fear!
There isn’t really much that you need to know or do in order to be a piece, but here are the answers to some questions that you might have.
FAQ:
Q: I don’t know how to play chess. I’ve never played chess before. Do I need to know how in order to be a piece?
A: No. The directors of the match will tell you where and how to move. For example: two spaces forward and one space to the left; five spaces diagonal and to the right.
Q: How should I act on the chess board?
A: Be in character! In essence, you weren’t chosen to be on the board; your character was. That means that instead of being Bobby or Kaitlin, you’re Ichigo or Sakura. Act how your character would. If another piece from your series gets taken out on the board, and your character would mourn them, don’t be afraid to run into the middle of the board and scream, “NOOOOO!”
Q: How should I act with other pieces/players?
A: Be sure to give them space and respect. The costumes on the board should all be self-contained, but in case the piece next to you has a huge foofy dress (and you’re wearing a little bitty one), make sure the cosplayer has some extra space. They, or someone, worked hard on that outfit, and would not want it to be ruined by an accidental step on a hem.
Q: How should I attack other pieces?
A: The most important thing to remember is to NOT touch any of the other pieces. Unless your director gives you the OK, don’t even touch weapons. Some weapons are delicate props that people have spent countless hours on. Don’t destroy them in a faulty chess move.
There are two ‘attacks’ per death sequence. The dying piece should attack first. Their attack should miss or be weak. Then the winning piece should attack. Be careful to not ‘sneak attack’ another piece. Do not go behind them! No physical contact, remember? Do not continue to attack after you have been killed! Die, and then leave the board. Each attack sequence should be no longer than ten or fifteen seconds.
Also, be in character when you attack. Princess Peach would not throw a punch at a character, she might use a fruit or her umbrella. A weak character might run away before the Joker can attack him.
Q: I just got killed! What now?
A: After your death sequence is done, leave the board. Most matches will have a place to seat the ‘dead’ pieces. It is polite to stay and watch the end of the match, but if you have somewhere else to be, sometimes you can leave. Chess matches, when done properly, are lots of fun to watch and be part of. You also may want to see a swift justice carried out on the piece that killed you.
More questions? Anything else you want to know? Feel free to ask!