FOR many university students, studying abroad offers opportunities to experience new cultures, broaden academic horizons and build international networks. For two Tanzanian students currently undertaking an Erasmus+ exchange programme in Poland, the experience recently extended beyond the lecture hall and into the competitive world of chess.

Ahmad Abdalla Ahmad and Shinje Mnengeya Mjanasa, both students from Jordan University College in Morogoro, took part in a rapid chess tournament organised at the Catholic University of Lublin (KUL – Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski) in south-eastern Poland. 

Although neither player finished among the leading contenders, their participation provided a memorable opportunity to test their skills against experienced competitors from Poland and gain valuable exposure to international chess competition.

The tournament was held as part of celebrations marking the 235th anniversary of the Constitution of 3 May 1791, a landmark document widely recognised as the first constitution in Europe and the second written national constitution in the world after that of the United States. 

 While the constitution remained in force for only four years before Poland was partitioned by neighbouring powers in 1795, it continues to occupy a special place in the country's history and serves as an enduring symbol of democracy, patriotism and national identity.

The commemorative event attracted players from various backgrounds and age groups, reflecting the growing popularity of chess in Poland. A total of 55 competitors participated in the open section, while an additional 23 young players took part in an Under-10 tournament held alongside the main event.

Competition was conducted under rapid chess rules, with each participant receiving 10 minutes for the entire game plus an additional five seconds per move from the start. The format demanded not only strategic understanding but also quick decision-making and composure under time pressure.

The tournament consisted of nine rounds and was supervised by National Arbiter Konrad Szczygieł, ensuring compliance with official chess regulations and international standards.

For Ahmad, who originates from Zanzibar, the tournament represented another step in his growing chess journey. Despite not yet holding an official chess category, he demonstrated determination and resilience throughout the competition.

Facing opponents with greater competitive experience, Ahmad managed to score three points from his nine games. Among his notable achievements were victories against Aleksandra Keska of KSz Hetman Krynka, a player holding a fourth-category ranking, and Hubert Wojcik, an unrated competitor. He also benefited from a bye round, receiving one point because of the uneven number of participants in the tournament.

Although he lost his remaining six matches, Ahmad's victories highlighted his potential and willingness to challenge more experienced opponents. His final tally of three points placed him in 46th position overall.

For a player competing far from home and against unfamiliar opposition, the experience offered important lessons that could contribute significantly to his future development in the game.

Mjanasa, who hails from Mwanza and currently holds a fifth-category chess ranking, endured a more difficult tournament. Nevertheless, his participation reflected the determination and sporting spirit that chess often demands from its players.

His sole victory came against fellow KUL student Zofia Pietrykowska. Like Ahmad, he also received a point from a bye round, bringing his total score to two points.

Mjanasa ultimately finished in 55th position. However, the standings did not tell the entire story of his performance. Two other players also concluded the tournament with two points but finished ahead of him due to a superior Buchholz Cut-1 score, a commonly used tie-breaking system that evaluates the strength of opponents faced during the competition while excluding the weakest result.

Despite the disappointing outcome, Mjanasa remained optimistic about his chess future. Participation in such events often provides valuable practical experience that cannot be replicated through training sessions alone. Every game presents an opportunity to analyse mistakes, discover new ideas and improve competitive confidence.

The tournament also provided the Tanzanian students with a chance to witness the high standard of chess currently enjoyed in Poland, a country with a rich chess tradition and strong development structures for young players.

As expected, the competition was dominated by the top-ranked participant, National Master Antoni Kozak, who entered the event with a FIDE rating of 2444. Demonstrating why he was considered the favourite, Kozak produced a flawless performance, winning all nine of his games to finish with a perfect score.

His victory earned him eight additional rating points and further strengthened his reputation as one of the leading rapid chess players in the region. Beyond his achievements over the board, Kozak is also known throughout Poland's chess community for his online educational content. 

Through his popular YouTube channel, Anton Chess, he regularly shares lessons, tournament analyses and instructional material aimed at helping players improve their understanding of the game.

Second place was claimed by Antoni Serewa, who entered the competition with a rating of 1936. Serewa scored seven points from the nine rounds and enjoyed a significant rating gain of 37 points, making him one of the tournament's biggest beneficiaries in terms of rating improvement.

Third place went to 14-year-old chess talent Miłosz Madejski. Despite collecting an impressive 6.5 points, the young prodigy experienced a rating loss of 20 points due to the specific rating calculations associated with the opponents he faced and the expectations attached to his pre-tournament rating of 2140.

The strong performances by these leading players highlighted the quality of competition that Ahmad and Mjanasa encountered throughout the event.

Beyond the results, the tournament demonstrated the role chess can play in fostering international friendship and cultural exchange. Events of this nature bring together participants from diverse backgrounds who share a common passion for the game, creating opportunities for learning and interaction that extend far beyond the chessboard.

For the Tanzanian students, competing in Poland represented more than a sporting challenge. It offered an opportunity to serve as informal ambassadors for their university and country while engaging with fellow students and chess enthusiasts from different cultures.

The organisers recognised the significance of the patriotic occasion by rewarding many participants with commemorative souvenirs, ensuring that players left with lasting memories regardless of their final positions in the standings.

As their Erasmus+ exchange programme continues, Ahmad and Mjanasa are expected to carry forward the lessons learned from the tournament. Exposure to different playing styles, stronger opponents and international competition can contribute significantly to a player's long-term development.

Upon returning to Tanzania later this year, the two students will undoubtedly have plenty of experiences and insights to share with members of the Jordan Chess Club in Morogoro. Their participation in the Lublin tournament may also inspire other students to combine academic opportunities abroad with extracurricular activities that promote personal growth and international engagement.

While neither Ahmad nor Mjanasa stood on the winners' podium, their willingness to compete on an international stage demonstrated courage, determination and a commitment to self-improvement. In many respects, those qualities represent the true spirit of both chess and education.

For the two Tanzanian students, the tournament was not merely about points, rankings or trophies. It was an opportunity to learn, compete and grow in a global environment—an experience that is likely to remain one of the highlights of their time in Poland.