Vincent “Osiris” Mackey was crowned the chess king after winning a tournament that was open to all mainline units in San Quentin.
“We held the tournament to settle who was the best chess player between North and West blocks,” said Darrel Smith. “Also, we wanted to see who would be interested in being part of a chess club we are in the beginning phases of trying to start.”
Approximately 23 players participated, including two from H-unit. Each round was a best of a three-game series.
“The competition was stiff,” said Smith. “There were a lot of quality players although a great deal of good players missed the tournament. One had to forfeit because he went on a family visit.”
After defeating four opponents in straight sets to reach the finals, Mackey lost the first game of the series to North Block contender Zakee Hutchison.
“I overwhelmed him with my offense and tricked him into a position he couldn’t win from,” said Hutchison.
“After losing the first game, I set the pieces back up, slowed my game down and made sure I paid full attention,” said Mackey.
Mackey won the next two games and the tournament.
“Whatever it is I play or do, I put my all in, with the intent to win,” said Mackey. “I look to overcome because there is always a way to overcome. Kings used to wage war based on chess.”
“He (Mackey) is a very good player,” said Hutchison. “He waits for you to make a mistake. I lost focus and gave away a knight. From that point he traded pieces and got me in a position I couldn’t win in the deciding game.”
Mackey has also dominated in other chess tournaments. He is the reigning champion in the games held on holidays where, as the champ, he only plays whoever emerges to the finals. In this tournament, he had to start from the bottom.
“People felt I’m in a favorable position in the Holiday Tournaments,” said Mackey. “They wanted a completely different format, and they got it.”
The tournament was the first put together by Sam Johnson and Smith. They want to have a chess club that plays people from the outside. He said they need a sponsor, space and equipment.
“We have our eyes on a sponsor. If they say ‘yes,’ then we’ll try to get the Berkeley Chess Federal involved,” said Johnson.
“I would love to join a chess club, be its president and a player,” joked Hutchison. “Hopefully, we can get ranking with the U.S. Chess Federation.”
“I’m going to be the club’s president,” said Smith.
Hutchison said the lack of space affected his game. He faced Mackey at the tables on the Lower Yard, where people kept walking by.
“I was distracted by outside influences,” said Hutchison. “We need to have an area where we can focus in on the game.”
–By Rahsaan Thomas