Lawmakers were seen engaging in games of chess at the Capitol, putting the principle of checks and balances into action.
Senators Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) organized the bipartisan Congressional Chess Tournament on Wednesday. For the event at the Russell Senate Office building, Congress members were asked to display their best moves against chess students and members of Missouri’s Saint Louis Chess Club.
The Senate declared St. Louis the chess capital of the country in 2014.
Notable individuals observed watching the action or planning with their king, queen and pawns included Senate Chaplain Barry Black, Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) as well as Representative Eric Burlison (R-Mo.).
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the annual congressional chess competition.
