Chisinau residents and visitors will be able to play chess on a large board that was installed on Wednesday, August 8, in the Nasterea Domnului Cathedral Square in Chisinau. According to the authorities, this is the first public chess board, reports Info-Prim Neo. Mayor Dorin Chirtoaca stated during the inauguration ceremony that the board idea had been suggested by some youth. According to the Mayor, it will enable more interaction among citizens, as well as healthy activity. “Chess is a game of strategy and mind, and for us, citizens of the other part of the world, from Eastern Europe, learning to think 2-3 steps ahead is welcome”, noted the Mayor. The Mayor mentioned that the placement was specifically chosen, because the zone is easily noticeable. “Meanwhile, we are all worried that this board and, especially, the pieces may disappear. This is another challenge we throw at the capital’s citizens, and only them. We leave these pieces unattended in the center of the city, and we will see if they disappear or not. It is true there is video supervision, but its goal is not to secure every piece. I’d like something else; for us to preserve everything that belongs to the public space”, stated the Mayor. President of the Moldovan Chess Academy Viorel Iordachescu stated that the installment of the chess board is a beautiful thing. All children will have the opportunity to play chess, which is an important element in the development of the young generation. Viorel Iordachescu mentioned that the Academy has been partners with the City Hall for over two years, and the authorities have supported a series of activities and projects. For special merits in the development and promotion of chess, Viorel Iordachescu offered the Mayor the title of honorary president of the Moldovan Academy of Chess. Dorin Chirtoaca, however, refused the title, arguing that it should belong to another person who comes from the world of chess and has merits in the field. The board measures 4 by 4 meters and is 20 centimeters high. The 32 pieces were made out of pine wood; the heaviest ones weigh between 13 and 14 kilos. Once the warm season is over, the board will be deposited in order not get spoiled during the cold season. The board cost the municipal budget approximately 30,000 lei.