Sign Language--Chess

Samuel Edward Trenholme

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Mar 11, 1994, 10:08:59 AM3/11/94

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>I am interested in obtaining the technical signs (American
>Sign Language) for the deaf used in chess. Does anyone have the
>address (e-mail) of an American Deaf Chess Association? Thanks in advance.

I could see this as being useful at tournaments, especially if you have a
grandmaster friend that also knows the sign language.

Siva Chelliah

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Mar 11, 1994, 10:12:38 AM3/11/94

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In article <2lq1ib$e...@agate.berkeley.edu>,

Do you have to hear to play chess? I do not understand. May be you were
thinking about how to train a deaf person?

Siva

John P. Phillips

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Mar 11, 1994, 12:47:00 PM3/11/94

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I can't let this pass by! FYI, I am deaf and a native ASL signer. However,
I have had little contact with deaf chess organizations. I do know that
a Mr. Emil Ladner should be a good source, since he used to write a chess
column in the NAD Broadcaster (Dunno if he's still doing it.) I don't
have the address of the Broadcaster now, but I could get it if you wish,
or contact Gallaudet U. (the deaf Mecca and my alma mater). I guess Edward
wishes to be able to carry on a conversation with deaf chess players, or
is just curious about chess signs. I also dunno about technical signs for
chess, but I'll tell you what signs I usually use for chess.

King - hand sign "K" moving from left shoulder to right hip, imitating the
sash worn by late 19th and early 20th century royalty at formal affairs.

Queen - same as sign for King, but with hand sign "Q"

Rook - spelled R-O-O-K by serious deaf chessplayers, novices use the sign
for "castle" which looks like two bent "V" outlining the shape of a
tower.

Bishop - I have seen three different signs; the outlining of the bishop's
hat on your head, which I consider awkward, acting like you were
kissing the ring on your hand (used by deaf Catholics for real
bishops), and putting two "B"s together palm to palm (which do
resemble the bishop's hat).

Knight - I usually spell the word out, but a sign for the word is pantomiming
the knight carrying a lance on horseback. (Holding the reins in left
hand, the lance's hilt in your right and moving your upper torso
up-and-down like you were on a horse)

Pawn - just spelled P-A-W-N.

Castling - "2" pointed to the board and flipping the hand over. Novices (SEE)
use "castle".

Check - Point your hand to the opposing king like a gun and pulling the trigger
(Cocking your thumb). Against ASL non-users, I move my index finger
like the check symbol.

Checkmate - Now, this varies a little like Bishop. I usually spell M-A-T-E
or, with non-users of ASL, I just move my hand as if to say
finis! Some deaf use the "dead" sign, but I consider that a bit
like woofing.

En Passant - Not too common, I usually spell E then P, but a good sign would
using "1" of the left hand to pass the right "1" and then the
right "1" move diagonally behind the left "1" and the left "1"
disappears.

Pin - The sign for "struck" ("V" placed against the throat).

Skewer - set right "1" behind left "1", then move right hand to point like
a gun aimed at the left "1". Move left "1" then move right hand to
grab the area where the right "1" was at the beginning of the sign.

Fork - I use the sign for trap (right "V" set against left "1" ), but with
two left fingers ("U") instead of left "1".

Resign - The same sign in ASL. (right two fingers "sitting" on left "O",
then the right hand moves off to the side). Another choice is just
to topple your king!

John Paul Phillips

Peter Rice

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Mar 12, 1994, 2:39:02 PM3/12/94

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In article <2lq1p6$e...@crchh553.bnr.ca>, chel...@bnr.ca (Siva Chelliah) writes:

You do sometimes!! As a student in Liverpool I played in the Merseyside
Lightning Team Championship (where you play your move when the 10-second
buzzer sounds) against a strong team of deaf players. We were asked
to raise one hand when the buzzer sounded for their move. As everyone in the
room moves at the same time, cheating is impossible - though it is a
little distracting to have to remember to do it.

I still prefer Lightning to Blitz (5-minutes for the game), but I suspect I
am in a minority. My local club used to play an annual Lightning simul for
two teams of 6-8 players moving from board to board - so after 6-8 moves you
can see what your colleagues have done to your position. With the tactical and
endgame specialists put together in the team some quite decent games can be
played - but of course nobody keeps a record of the moves!