Some say it is the touchstone of the intellect; others describe it as an elaborate waste of human intelligence.

Whatever your view of chess, shoppers were treated to an exhibition game at Blacktown's Westpoint last Saturday morning.

Proving that chess is as much a spectacle sport as any other, the Rooty Hill RSL Chess Club sent in their gladiator Tony Bouchaaya to take on 30 challengers at one time.

Before moving to Australia in 1990, Bouchaaya represented Lebanon at four chess Olympiads from 1980 to 1988. His best result was at Dubai in 1986 when he played 12 games for eight wins, two draws and two losses (including his first-round match with then USSR champion Vitaly Tseshkovsky).

Young fans will get a chance to test their mettle this Sunday, March 12, when the RSL stages a junior tournament at Bowman Hall in Campbell St, Blacktown.

The tournament is open to school-aged children and will award trophies for the top three place-getters.

Entry fee is $10, with entries closing today, Wednesday. Contact David Evans on 4739 2785 or email davidevans@rootyhillchess.org.

The event is part of Blacktown Council's centenary sports festival, which sees more than 300 local sport and recreation clubs participate in 61 events.