Chess in Norway's Arctic region

When I received the invitation for the Power Solutions Arctic Chess NGP 2024 in March last year, I wondered how many words a chess tournament name could handle. The abbreviation NGP stands for the Norwegian tournament series Norges Grand Prix, which itself consists of three words. The tournament was certainly worth all those words, and "Arctic" hintsat the fact that it takes place in the polar region. This was also the reason for the invitation to be sent out so early. There are only a few direct flights from Oslo to Alta, and flight prices are – unlike my Elo rating – on the rise. Despite the limited selection of flights, there was still room for error. More on that later.

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The tournament was held in the facilities of the Arctic University in Alta from 29 November to 1 December. It featured five rounds with a time control of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds per move. Those who arrived on Thursday were treated to a pre-tournament programme. There was a "King" and a "Queen" evening: free training sessions with GM Frode Urkedal or WIM Sheila Barth Stanford.

Queen’s evening: training with Norway's number one female player, WIM Sheila Barth Stanford | Photo: Torill M. Wiggen

We flew to Alta on Thursday in a plane full of chess players. To my surprise, we were picked up at the airport and driven to the hotel. The organisers truly went out of their way to take care of the players. Those who didn't wish to stay at the hotel could also lodge with local chess players' families. On Friday morning, participants were taken to the Gargia Huskies dog farm. There, they had the chance to try dog sledding and snowmobiles.

Tournament favourite GM Frode Urkedal with his favourite husky | Photo: Torill M. Wiggen

Focused on the sled - Urte Karaliute with her brakeman Emthe Solskinnsbakk | Photo: Torill M. Wiggen

The farm is run by Roger Fossøy, who has extensive experience in dog sledding. This year, he placed fourth in the Finnmarksløpet, the northernmost sled dog race in the world. The race begins in Alta and covers a distance of 1,200 kilometres with a team of 14 dogs. Known for its harsh climatic conditions, the weather provided a fitting example on this Friday morning in Alta. With temperatures around freezing, there were storms with gusts reaching 150 km/h.

Iben Sofia Heggelund had a great connection with the huskies | Photo: Torill M. Wiggen

Warming up at the Gargia Huskies farm | Photo: Torill M. Wiggen

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The storm, combined with heavy snowfall, made travel to Alta on Friday practically impossible. Mountain passes to Hammerfest and Tromsø were closed. The plane from Oslo had to abort its landing attempts and returned to the capital. Despite these challenges, 14 female players and 50 male players participated in the Power Solutions Arctic Chess NGP 2024.

Symbolic first move by the main sponsor – GM Frode Urkedal didn't need too much power to defeat the author of this article. | Photo: Anna Blauhut

Excellent conditions at the university, shown here in the A-group | Photo: Holger Blauhut

The tournament featured three groups (<1600, <1800, and >1800 rating categories) and provided excellent playing conditions at the university, along with a kiosk offering very reasonable prices. In the A-group, Ben Samuel Groth Skaar (Elo 2015) had a strong showing.

GM Torbjørn Ringdal Hansen v. Ben Samuel Groth Skaar - the grandmaster looked sceptical early in the opening. | Photo: Holger Blauhut

Starting as the 13^th seed, he led before the final round with 3 points from 4 games and the best tiebreak score. In the last round, he survived an attack by GM Torbjørn Ringdal Hansen with the black pieces, reaching a winning position he unfortunately could not convert.

The tournament winner versus the runner-up - IM Mads Vestby-Ellingsen v. GM Frode Urkedal | Photo: Holger Blauhut

The winners

• Group A: 1. IM Mads Vestby Ellingsen, 2. GM Frode Urkedal, 3. GM Torbjørn Ringdal Hansen
• Group B: 1. Miron Paranichev, 2. Øivind Jakobsen, 3. Emthe Solskinnsbakk
• Group C: 1. Andreas Pettersen, 2. Johannes Bakkevoll, 3. Øystein Rostad

The game notation could be recorded either on a standard scoresheet or on a tablet. The tablets used the Clono programme, developed by Ole Kristian Valvåg and recognised by FIDE. With Clono, moves are entered by tapping on the screen, much like playing a game on a computer, eliminating the need for DGT boards for online broadcasting.

The Clono scoresheet for the Blauhut family pairing in the third round | Photo: Holger Blauhut

Another family pairing in the third round: WIM Sheila Barth Stanford v. IM Maxim Barth Stanford | Photo: Holger Blauhut

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Different perception of cold in the North: Anders Lervik, Alta | Photo: Holger Blauhut

Alta was granted city status in 2000, but even before that, it had earned the unofficial title of Norway's ugliest town. Much has changed since then. On our way back to the hotel from the venue, we walked through the new pedestrian zone with the striking Northern Lights Cathedral in sight - a church that also serves as a concert hall and, above all, a tourist magnet.

The Northern Lights Cathedral: church, concert hall and tourist attraction | Photo: Holger Blauhut

With its bowling alley, swimming pool and shopping centres, Alta is also appealing to residents of the Finnmark province. Many come to spend a "big city" weekend in this small town.

After the tournament, there was an opportunity for a group dinner accompanied by a reindeer sleigh ride. Once again, many helpers were on hand to drive us to the Sami Siida restaurant and farm.

Sami Siida restaurant | Photo: Holger Blauhut

We were served Bidus, a traditional Sami reindeer stew. Bidus is a customary dish of the Sami people, often served during confirmations, weddings and other festive occasions. The main ingredients are reindeer meat, carrots and potatoes, slow-cooked to perfection and often accompanied by sweet raisin bread.

Enjoying a meal after the tournament | Photo: Torill M. Wiggen

The only thing missing that weekend was the Northern Lights, as the sky was too cloudy. At least it's a good reason to return to Alta.

As the friendly assistants drove us to the airport, organiser Rune Hammari was already planning the next tournament. He dreams of hosting a nine-round event, which would allow for a fantastic side programme. However, finding a date for such a tournament in the busy chess calendar is challenging. Additionally, flight prices are significantly higher during holidays and festive periods.

Given the flawless organisation of this tournament, I have no doubt he will succeed.

Next year, there will first be another weekend tournament. Anyone looking to combine chess with a chance to see the Northern Lights should mark the Power Solutions Arctic Chess NGP on their calendar.

Final Standings - Group A

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Links

• The next Magnus Carlsen in Molde?
• Norway, land of exceptions
• Letter from Hell