PHOTO GALLERY: Columbia Chess Club president is king

Justin Hull, president of the Columbia Chess Club, considers his next move during a match against a new club member.   |  Bobby Watson

Justin Hull slaps his chess clock after moving his piece into postion to start his opponent's timer. Timed chess matches, or speed chess, is just one of Hull's special skills in the ancient strategy game. Hull is also capable of playing blindfolded, a skill he shares with the club's adviser Niel Fox. The players can see and counter their opponents' moves, without actually seeing the board or pieces, by calling out the grid coordinates, which run 1-8 up and A-H across the board.   |  Bobby Watson

Justin Hull, president of the Columbia Chess Club, prepares to move his queen into position for a potential checkmate while playing other club members at Kaldi's Coffeehouse on Ninth Street on Tuesday.   |  Bobby Watson