Harry Potter Wizard's Chess comes to life in Athens

ATHENS, Ga. - If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, you already know what Wizard’s Chess is – a magical version of the classic game in which the pieces move by themselves, under the command of the player.  Now, Wizard’s Chess is happening for real, thanks to a unique Athens café.

Pawn Con is taking place Sunday, December 4 in the parking lot of The Rook & Pawn, a board game café in Athens.  The event is a partnership between the café, Avid Bookshop, Chess & Community Conference, and the Athens-Clarke County Library, in an effort to encourage young people to take part in local reading programs.  32 volunteers will dress up as chess pieces, and kids from the Chess & Community Conference will direct those “pieces” in tournament-style play across a giant chess board.  The day-long event (from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.) will also feature local artists and more Harry Potter-themed games.

Good Day Atlanta’s Paul Milliken is an acknowledged board game fanatic, and jumped at the chance to spend the morning at The Rook & Pawn getting a preview of this unique weekend event.