Save the Rhino
The International Rhino Foundation (www.rhinos-irf.org) is dedicated to the preservation of the world's rhino species through conservation and research.
IRF is the official charity of the Center City Chess Club.
What is the connection between rhinos and chess? Hmm...
Did you know that there is a chess opening called the Rhinoceros Opening? 1. d4 followed by Qd3 is the "Rhino" opening, in part because the White Queen comes charging out like an angry rhino!
Actually, there are many variants:
1. d4 Nf6 2. Qd3 (White Rhino)
1. Nf3 d5 2. d4 Qd6 (Black Rhino)
1. d4 d5 2. Qd3 (this was called the Wild Bull for much the same reason)
1. d4 d5 2. Qd3 Qd6 (the dreaded Double Rhino)
The Qd3/Qd6 theme pops up in some more mainstream openings:
1. b4 d5 2. Bb2 Qd6 is a recognized line in the Sokolsky Opening
1. d4 f5 2. Qd3 is a sideline of the Dutch Defense
1. d4 d5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Bg5 Nbd7 4. Qd3 is a Veresov Opening line
A "Save the Rhino" chess tournament was held at Northampton County Community College in the 1990s -- there was a special prize pool for the best game(s) with the Rhino Opening.
The Rhinoceros Opening isn't very good -- but saving the world's rhinos from poachers is a very good cause indeed. We hope you will check out the IRF website at www.rhinos-irf.org and consider making a donation.
Center City Chess Club may also run some "rhino-themed" events later in the year.
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