9-Year-Old Challenges Atlanta Chess Master

ATLANTA, GA -- Downtown's Woodruff Park has a thriving outdoor chess community.

On most days, a small corner of the park is host to several players who engage in the ancient game ... not to mention dozens of curious onlookers.

Creative Loafing recently captured an engaging match between Elias Swafford, 9, and one of Woodruff Park's veteran players. Elias has won almost two dozen trophies around the state, and he's been playing since he was 4.

But can he handle the pressure of playing against a true master? Let's find out.

The Georgia Chess Association is a non-profit organization committed to creating and supporting an actively engaged chess community in Georgia for both adults and junior players. The organization is hoping to set up a summer tournament at Woodruff Park, and also wants to develop summer camps devoted to teach kids how to play the game. Visit the organization's website here to learn more.