Assembly Resolution No. 643

BY: M. of A. Darling

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
October 14, 2023, as Chess Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pleasure in celebrating
those board games of historic and artistic significance which have
contributed to the cultural enrichment of our communities and Nation;
and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 14, 2023, as Chess
Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Chess Day; and

WHEREAS, Held every second Saturday in October, Chess Day recognizes
the complex art form that has captivated players and viewers alike;
chess sharpens the mind, tests human faculties, and encourages healthy
competition; and

WHEREAS, Chess is a two-player board game in which each player
formulates a strategy and defense to capture the King; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Chess Association (NYSCA) is the oldest
continuously-run chess organization in the United States, having been
formed in Auburn, New York in 1878; it is the official New York State
affiliate of the United States Chess Federation (USCF), and its history
pre-dates the establishment of USCF; and

WHEREAS, This vital association organizes a variety of
State-sanctioned championship tournaments across the Empire State,
including the Annual New York State Chess Championship, which has been
held in Albany on Labor Day weekend since 2006; and

WHEREAS, Renowned New York State champions have included Bobby
Fischer, Joel Benjamin, Jose Capablanca, and Frank Marshall; the current
Scholastic champion is New York City player FM Gus Huston; and

WHEREAS, Since the early Crusades, chess has been enjoyed by
millions of people in various parts of the world; the earliest versions
of the game differ, but from the 15th century onwards, the design became
standardized and the modern chess that we know today is adapted from old
Indian and Persian games; and

WHEREAS, Having had a significant impact on social development,
Benjamin Franklin elevated the status of American chess with his essay
titled "The Morals of Chess"; and

WHEREAS, Though there are many well-versed players, Paul Morphy is
considered to be the first American chess legend and is known as the
best chess player of his time; in 1857, he was the first American to
beat the best European chess player, Adolph Anderssen; and

WHEREAS, In 1976, President Gerald Ford initiated National Chess
Day, as he considered chess a kings' game and was an avid follower; the
day is meant to inspire beginners and experts to delve into the unique
world of chess; and

WHEREAS, Chess Day's purpose is to invoke people to read about the
history of the royal game of chess that has been played for centuries
and to take part in the board game; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 14, 2023, as Chess
Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; and the New York State Chess Association.