In South Africa, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs, working with local International Master Watu Kobese, has published a standardized translation of Chess terms in to isiXhosa. The goal is to promote Chess among the nearly 8 million people who speak isiXhosa, a tonal language with click-consonants. Among the new terms, “uthinjiwe” serves for checkmate and a rook is called “umbhayimbhayi”, which means “big gun”.

In Israel, a diving instructor who was uninspired by Chessboxing, thought the classic board game would be better paired with swimming. Thus was born Diving Chess. The game is played underwater with a magnetic board (so the pieces don’t float away) and is kind-of like a game of Rapid or Blitz Chess. However, rather than using a clock, a player’s moves are time-limited by how long they can hold their breath. Lest you think I’m not serious, I’ve included some video below from the recently completed Diving Chess World Championship in London.