Cook County, IL, Prisoners Duel Russian Prisoners in Online Chess

by Derek Gilna

County jail can be a pretty grim place, especially Cook County Jail, one of the largest and most dangerous in the country. However, at least in Division 11 in May 2013 there was something new to divert prisoners from the harsh realities of their detention. Jail officials in both Chicago and Russia set up computerized chess matches between the prisoners in their respective institutions.

Dr. Mikhail Korenman, a chess teacher of Russian descent now living in Chicago, was able to arrange with a friend in Russia for the contest to take place, not surprising when his friend is former Russian World Chess champion Anatoli Karpov. The two held a joint press conference via Skype with Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart just before the matches started.

Unfortunately, the Russian prisoners from five facilities, including one in Siberia, beat the Americans 14.5 to 5.5, but Sheriff Dart was not concerned. “The very process requires some to think, not in the immediate time, but down the road,” he said, “so it transforms the way people think. We are not that determined to win.” Jail observers commented that it was the first match of its kind to involve prisoners from the two countries.

Cook County jail, known for its overcrowding and a long history of management problems, continues to be under the supervision of the federal courts according to the terms of a consent decree entered into several years ago.

Source: http://chicago/cbslocal.com

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