Weird Sports: Chess Boxing
We’ve all heard of sporting events being described as a chess match, with the competitors strategizing and managing the game down to every minute detail, but this takes the analogy to a whole new level. Sports fans, we give you chess boxing.
Far from a backyard phenomenon, chess boxing has existed on a professional level for nearly a decade. Originating in Europe, this test of both mind and body has spread to include clubs all over the world. Frankly we can’t think of a smarter way to get a concussion…
So, how does it work? Well, according to the World Chess Boxing Organization (WCBO), the sport’s sanctioning body, competitors face off against each other in six four-minute chess rounds, with five three-minute boxing rounds in between. You can win with a checkmate in the chess portion, or with a K.O. in the boxing portion. Matches last 24 minutes total, and competitors are given one minute between rounds to change their gear (we’re guessing that playing chess in boxing gloves probably wouldn’t work too well).
To date, the WCBO has crowned eight world champions in three different weight classes, with another world championship set to be held in Berlin on June 24th. The sport seems to be gaining popularity, and serves as a humble reminder to never make fun of the chess team.
The Monopoly Movie – The (un)Official (Fake) Trailers
When I first heard that Hasbro had announced the making of a Monopoly movie (to be directed by Ridley Scott), my first reaction was to simultaneously roll my eyes and shudder. After all, it’s an inanimate board game for Pete’s sake, how could that translate into a good movie?
Well, the good people of the YouTube nation have some answers on what a Monopoly movie could look like. The videos range from somewhat box-office believable to just downright goofy and fun (but that’s the mark of a good YouTube video, right?) The videos do, however, give you a good idea of where a real movie studio – with actual budgets, sets, effects, actors and directors – could do with Monopoly. Now I’m envisioning a cross between “Wall Street” and “Jumanji”.
This trailer was so well-produced that I was halfway in before I realized it was fake.
Love the “hapless loser gets sucked into board game” angle here. “Snake eyes!”
Random casting of Adam Sandler in the starring role.
So what do you think? Which trailer is more in line with the Monopoly movie you had in mind? What direction would you take the Monopoly storyline?
PS, if you like fake movie trailers, check out my post on the real “The Social Network” Trailer and the fake Twitter movie trailer.
Stunning Interactive Pool Table
Featured at both the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and Esquire’s SoHo “Ultimate Bachelor Pad,” the folks at Obscura Digital have set the bar for all other pool tables.
Zalipalka!
Bigger is Better!
Bigger really IS better, especially when it comes to toys and games.
