Twenty-two-year-old Matthias Gatt is currently a full-time student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in design and technology at the University of Malta. However, when he is not engaged with his studies, he devotes his time to his long-standing passion – the game of chess.
Gatt started playing the iconic game of monochrome warriors and kingdoms at just 6 years old, and has flourished into a very talented player, ranking in the top 30 in Malta’s current active leaderboard of competitive chess players. Hand-in-hand with such skill comes a finely-tuned expertise on how to navigate the game effectively and dominate the opposition. In Gatt’s case, it was this element of the game that sparked his interest as, to perform well, chess demands more than simply an acute sense of strategy.
Greatness in chess also requires creativity from the player – a flexibility that allows them to readily adapt to however a match plays out, and the capability to outsmart or simply remain one step ahead of the opposition at all times. Strategy and creativity work hand in hand; one has to immerse oneself wholly into the game to achieve such proficiency. Gatt arguably demonstrates both qualities effectively in his competitive career, and to achieve this he exercises his ‘chess muscle’ on two fronts – firstly by competing, secondly by teaching.
The Steps of the Pawn: The beginnings of the Chess Club
Having entered University for his studies in 2022, Gatt was perplexed by the lack of an official chess club amidst the numerous student organisations on campus. Recognising the innate educational value of chess, he made it a personal goal to form an official chess club at the University.
Nevertheless, while the idea was well-intentioned, making it happen was not without its challenges! It took Gatt a year to find the right people to form a strong executive but his hard work has finally begun to bear fruit.
Having officially founded the club during the first semester of 2024, the University of Malta Chess Club has hosted various open chess competitions at the University to promote the game and fostered an interest in this intellectual sport amongst Maltese youth.
In addition, the club also serves an educational function. In collaboration with the University of Malta’s Degree+ programme, the club is currently hosting a beginner’s class, Chess Fundamentals for Beginners, which is open to university students who are curious about chess. This class, taught by members of the executive, runs every Wednesday and Friday from noon to 2pm.
An attractive dynamic is at play here because, while the executive members each have a FIDE rating [a numerical representation of a chess player’s skill level, determined by the International Chess Federation], they are all still relatively young: hence youth are learning from the young instructors with whom they can relate.
The Temperance of the King: The running of a successful organisation
For Gatt, the key qualities to running a successful organisation are essentially very practical. Firstly, organisation is of utmost importance: like many people, Gatt juggles his time between various commitments including his family, studies, chess and other interests.
Without a clear vision as to what one wants to achieve, nothing can be done and so the second requirement for success is being goal-oriented. The main purpose of meetings within the executive, explains Gatt, is to account for what has been achieved, and to consider where they’d like to take the club next. Open communication is hence a third necessity.
The beauty of these qualities is that they can be transposed onto what makes a successful chess player, although an additional element is required too. Gatt spared no time in letting me know that it takes a lot of hard work – ‘to be very good at chess, you need to put in as much time into studying and practice as possible. You need commitment.’
Without this dedication, excellence is near to impossible. Gatt notes specifically the rigorous practice undertaken by Jack Mizzi, another competitor currently sitting at the top 10 in the active leaderboard for Malta’s best chess players. Of course, this does not mean that one should be discouraged in pursuing chess, even at a casual pace. Some of Gatt’s students, both in the Degree+ program as well as through his classes at the Swieqi Chess Club, are engaged in other extracurricular activities and for them chess is one interesting pastime among many, adding variety to the week while making the student a more rounded individual.
The Prospects of the Queen: What comes after the Chess Club?
As he is currently in his second year serving as president for the University of Malta Chess Club, it won’t be long now until Gatt has to pass on the mantle. ‘I just hope the club will keep on flourishing’ says Gatt. And for Gatt too, it’s been an opportunity for growth.
Gatt mentioned that ever since he was young, ‘like anyone else, the goal was always to be the best of the best.’ In spite of this, running the chess club has helped him revise his perspective! The role of a leader has helped both keep him grounded and humble, giving him the chance to look at the broader picture and work out what is genuinely important to him.
Gatt found that through his experience with the Chess Club, he has recognised within himself a deep satisfaction in having been able to help and encourage more youth to recognise the value in chess. He looks forward to seeing what it may evolve to be in the long run.
His hope is for there to be an active chess community in Malta that will continue to be nurtured and will grow in popularity across the island. To further this dream, he has planted his own seed through the formation of the chess club. He hopes to see it continue to flourish through the work and passion of those who shall come after him.