Spooky Knights 2026: Halloween Chess and First Trophies in Richmond

On October 30, 2026, sixteen players gathered at Beans & Brews Coffee House in Richmond, Texas, for three rounds of Spooky Knights chess. Halloween decorations, costumes, and plenty of concentration made it a memorable evening around the boards.

Young players focus on chessboards beside a ghost decoration, with more tournament games behind them.

First tournaments, first trophies

Ashley Odell made a wonderful tournament debut, winning two of her three games and finishing second in the Beginners section. What a way to begin! We’re so glad Ashley joined us, and we hope this is the first of many enjoyable tournament experiences.

Nihaan Parikh won all three games in his section and earned his very first first-place trophy. Congratulations, Nihaan! A perfect 3/3 and that first champion’s trophy are milestones worth celebrating.

A young player studies a chess position while several other games continue around the cafe.

Congratulations to our award winners

Asai Tran also finished with a perfect 3/3 to win the Challengers section. Cory Wurtz and Colton Druke each scored 2/3, receiving the second- and third-place awards respectively. Congratulations to all three on a strong evening of chess.

In the Coaches section, Aaron Hawk received the first-place award and Odilo Vo the second-place award, with both finishing on 1.5 points. Their second-round game ended in a draw—and it was a wild one! I may share the game in a separate follow-up so we can take a closer look together.

Players concentrate on tournament games after dark, with gold chess trophies and medals beside the boards.

Congratulations as well to prize recipient Taytum Fuhtrakoon, and a big thank-you to Benjamin Wong, Branson Wong, Terry Ma, Erik Larson, Charlie Macaluso, and Everett Macaluso for being part of Spooky Knights. Taking a seat, thinking through a difficult position, and playing the next game all deserve encouragement.

Two young players prepare at chessboards beside Halloween decorations at Spooky Knights.

Players concentrate on a chess game near a smiling ghost decoration and a gold chess trophy.

Players study their positions while the tournament organizer visits the tables at Spooky Knights.

A community worth coming back to

A special thank-you to Nathan Kinman for all his help, to our coaches, and to every family who spent the evening with us. Thank you to Beans & Brews for welcoming our chess community and giving Spooky Knights such a festive home.

Families and chess players listen to the tournament organizer inside the decorated cafe.

We’re grateful for the effort, good company, and new memories everyone brought to the event. Whether this was your first tournament or one of many, we hope you left with a game to remember and a reason to keep playing.

Players gather around chessboards inside the Halloween-decorated Beans & Brews cafe in Richmond, Texas.

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