Algorithms

As we in the United States struggle with mainstreaming the disabled, there is a countercurrent of expanding the opportunities for the differently abled typified by the Special Olympics and Paralympics. This moving black-and-white documentary offers viewers a little-known example of those efforts: the world of blind chess players. Of course, many strong chess players can play blindfolded, but few, if any, learn the game that way. However, blind people can learn the game via special equipment that allows them to study the position of the pieces on the board via touch. Clearly, it is not easy. Through the dedication and drive of one man, Charudatta Jadhav, who serves as inspiration, coach, and mentor, India has a burgeoning crop of blind and visually impaired junior players, some of whom are shown here competing in national and international tournaments.