In recent years, Colorado Springs has witnessed a myriad of gaming trends, from puzzles to Pokemon cards. Yet, amidst this ever-changing landscape, it was the resurgence of a centuries-old board game that truly captured the city’s attention. Driven, in part, by a hit Netflix series, the world of chess made an unforeseen and remarkable comeback. Dive into the tales of entrepreneurs, the surging demand, and the deep cultural resonance that has made chess not just a game, but a cherished pursuit during unprecedented times.
From Puzzles to Chess: The Unforeseen Wave of Gaming Trends
Cameron Crawford felt a sense of déjà vu. First, there was a rush for puzzles in March 2020. As the skies cleared, kites became scarce. And soon after, a craze for Pokemon cards cleared his inventory. Yet, what happened next took him by surprise.
By the end of October, his store, Petrie’s Family Games in Colorado Springs, was inundated with inquiries about chess sets. Availability became the burning question. Crawford found this sudden interest puzzling. “Certain toys and games get less attention,” he remarked, pointing out chess as an example.
Within a week, every chess-related item in Petrie’s had been bought. Nearby stores like It’s Your Move and Gamer’s Haven faced the same situation. The boom wasn’t just due to the ongoing pandemic. Mike Lindhal from Gamer’s Haven began to connect the dots. “We then realized the impact of ‘The Queen’s Gambit,’” he admitted, referring to the recent Netflix show.
Launched on Oct. 23, this series is attributed to the unexpected surge in chess’s popularity. Chess sales have shot up worldwide, shared Mary Higbe, the marketing director at GoliathGames, in an NPR interview. “Our chess sales in October jumped 178% compared to last year,” she noted. By month-end, she revealed an astonishing fact: the sales had risen to a staggering 1,048%.
Challenges for Retailers, Opportunities for Craftsmen
Since the release of the popular Netflix show, keeping chess sets in stock has been a challenge for Crawford.
The persistent demand has benefitted entrepreneurs like Brad Borkowski, a builder of custom chess boards since 2013. In addition to being a construction teacher at Manitou Springs School District, Borkowski began Colorado Woodworker as a supplementary income source.
Despite the scarcity of chess boards in retail stores and online, Borkowski has been tirelessly creating them from his Colorado Springs residence, catering to a global clientele. He experienced a surge in orders shortly after the pandemic commenced and saw another spike with the widespread popularity of “The Queen’s Gambit.”
By the end of the year, Borkowski’s sales had soared, possibly growing tenfold. Although the show was a massive hit on Netflix, Borkowski was too engrossed in his work to watch it, a fact he humorously shares.
His online store, Etsy, offers chess boards with prices beginning at approximately $75, with the most exclusive one fetching $600.
Due to the overwhelming demand, Borkowski needed assistance. His parents, originally planning to stay a weekend, extended their visit from Iowa to a whole month. Borkowski credits his father, a retired shop instructor, for not only introducing him to woodworking but also suggesting the custom chess board venture. The advice proved invaluable.
For many, Borkowski notes, chess holds a deep personal significance. Instead of factory-produced sets, enthusiasts seek unique pieces that they can call their own.
During the festive holidays, amidst the hustle and bustle, Borkowski took a moment to delve into the world of “The Queen’s Gambit”. Watching it during his evening downtime, after spending days engrossed in his chess board crafting, he truly understood the show’s allure and its sweeping impact.
The inspiration derived from the series reminded him of the motivation one might feel after watching iconic sports films, which have the power to spark new interests or even change life paths. In a world where many were grappling with the restrictions and isolation brought about by a global pandemic, chess emerged as a beacon. It provided not just entertainment but a meaningful activity that was both challenging and accessible. The series nudged many to see chess as more than just a game; it was a potential hobby, a mental exercise, and a solace during the long hours spent indoors.
Conclusion
In the backdrop of a global pandemic, chess experienced an unforeseen renaissance in Colorado Springs, propelled by the allure of a hit Netflix series. This phenomenon underlined the game’s timeless appeal and its profound ability to offer solace and intellectual engagement in trying times. Entrepreneurs like Borkowski rose to meet the surging demand, reinforcing the notion that even in the digital age, traditional board games hold a unique and enduring charm.
