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Last update: Thursday March 22, 2007 14:29
The English Chess Federation has warmly welcomed the launch of the Harry Potter
chess set, which will be built up through a unique part-work series, Harry Potter:
The Step-by-step chess manual.
The ECF believes the launch and the subsequent publicity will lead to a major
growth in interest in chess among a new generation of UK juniors. Marketing
material surrounding the launch will direct interested parties to contact the
federation.
The ECF has been involved in detailed discussions with the publisher's agents
over the past few months, in the run up to the launch, and has developed advanced
plans to meet the expected demand for chess materials and information.
Gerry Walsh, President of the English Chess Federation comments, "My colleagues
and I are delighted to see this product launch in the UK. When Harry Potter
and the Philosopher's Stone first opened in cinemas, we received a phenomenal
number of new enquiries from children wanting to know where they could learn
to play chess. We hope that The Harry Potter Chess Manual will be instrumental
in introducing the game to many more."
Martin Regan ECF Chief executive said: "The federation will gain enormous
publicity as a result of this launch which has the potential to hugely increase
the demand for chess starter products and coaching information. The ECF is the
obvious starting point for those who wish to build on their new knowledge of
our wonderful game."
A major new initiative with the potential to create a huge upsurge in junior
interest in chess has been announced.
It is the launch of a Harry Potter themed chess set which is backed by a huge
marketing campaign and endorsed by the English Chess Federation. Published each
week, this easy-to-follow players’ guide is accompanied by a piece of
the chess set, building into a stunning, interactive replica of the final chess
battle scene in the film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™.
The set will be available through a unique part work called Harry Potter: step
by step chess manual. It is published by De Agostini, publishers of popular
children’s partworks collections, including Scooby-Doo™ World of
Mystery and Star Wars™.
The first issue of the fantastic new Harry Potter™: step by step chess manual. goes on sale on 14th February. Published each week, this easy-to-follow players’ guide is accompanied by a piece of the chess set, building into a stunning, interactive replica of the final chess battle scene in the film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone™.
Both complete beginners and existing chess players can uncover the secrets of this ancient game of kings as it’s never been played before. Each of the chess pieces has unique characteristics and is visually modelled on the life-size pieces featured in the film. The board becomes a battlefield and the players are the generals, deploying their troops and using all their skill, strength and stamina to find a winning strategy to wipe out the opposing army, capture the enemy King and shout, ‘Checkmate!’
Issue 1 goes on sale at the special introductory price of £1.99, and comes with the first piece - the Magnetic Black Rook- plus the Magnetic ‘Magic’ Wand, which allows players to move the magnetic pieces around the board without touching them.
Issue 2 includes the White Knight, plus a white ‘Exploding’ Pawn that self-destructs. When the Knight completes its spectacular L-shaped leap it lets out a triumphant ‘neigh’. This issue also comes with an interim cardboard chessboard and card playing pieces so collectors can commence battle before their chess armies are complete.
Issue 3 includes the first black ‘Exploding’ Pawn and a replica of Hermione’s Time-Turner™.
Published by De Agostini, publishers of popular children’s partworks collections, including Scooby-Doo™ World of Mystery and Star Wars™ The Official Figurine Collection, subsequent issues of Harry Potter™: step by step chess manual will be £3.99, available from newsagents and by subscription from www.deagostini.co.uk, tel. 0870 890 0130.
Divided into two sections, for both beginners (Level One: Chess Apprentice) and more experienced players (Level Two: Chess Challenger), for ages 6+, Harry Potter™: step by step chess manual builds into a complete chess set and guide, with 32 chess pieces, an illuminated chessboard and other fantastic accessories inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter™.
The full collection comprises:
• Weekly issues of a step-by-step guide to learning and perfecting the skills of the game, with two levels. ‘Level One: Chess’ teaches players the official rules, showing them where to put the pieces on the board, how they move, when to attack, when to defend and how to get to check and checkmate; ‘Level Two: Chess Challenger’ is for those who’ve completed the first level or already know about the game. This provides more tips on strategy, tactics, different opening moves and improving their skills;
• Exclusive, illuminated Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone chessboard – each glowing corner displays the crests of one of the four Hogwarts school houses;
• 32 chess pieces to create two complete ‘armies’; and
• Additional accessories inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter™.
For further information on chess, chess clubs and tuition available in your area, please contact:
English Chess Federation
T. 01424 775222
W. www.englishchess.org.uk
E.
Chess Scotland
T. 01368 860601
W. www.chessScotland.com
Irish Chess Union
W. www.icu.ie
E.
Ulster Chess Union
T. 0845 094 4183
W. www.ulsterchess.org
E.
Welsh Chess Union
W. www.welshchessunion.co.uk
E.