Interview with Noah Ramoorthy: KZN Rising Chess Star

Interview with Noah Ramoorthy

Small in age but big on strategy, Noah Ramoorthy proudly represented KwaZulu-Natal in the Under-10 section at the Mzansi Interprovincial Championships.

In this interview, he talks about his chess journey, favourite moments, and why he loves the game.

Erick Takawira: Hi Noah! How did you learn chess?
Noah: I learned from my grandpa, then practiced with my mom.

ET: Do you still play with your grandpa?
Noah: Yes, but I beat him now! 😎

ET: What do you enjoy most about chess?
Noah: Winning, traveling, being in the chess room, and just playing the game.

ET: Speaking of traveling — what kind of trips do you enjoy?
Noah: Car trips are my favourite. Flying not so much unless there’s a TV. 📺

ET: If you had to pick one chess piece, which would it be?
Noah: The knight. I love how it moves and jumps over other pieces.

ET: Have you ever delivered a checkmate with a knight?
Noah: (Micah, his younger brother, jumps in) Yes! I also play ChessKid, but I haven’t beaten a bot yet. 🤖

ET: Who’s your chess hero?
Noah: Praggnanandhaa from India.

ET: What inspires you about his play?
Noah: He always finds a good move, even in tough positions. He can be a queen down and still win!

ET: How do you train outside tournaments?
Noah: I do puzzles on Lichess and play games — usually 20 minutes a day, more before big tournaments.

ET: Go-to snack for chess power?
Noah: Smarties. (Micah jumps in again) I think they make you smarter! 🍬

ET: Ever dream about chess?
Noah: Yes! I dream of playing Magnus or Praggnanandhaa — and beating them.

ET: If chess pieces could talk, which would be the funniest?
Noah: The rook. It would brag all game, then get traded in the end and say, “You suck, King and Queen!” 😂

ET: Invent your own chess piece — what would it be?
Noah: A combination of queen and knight jumps like a knight, moves diagonally. I’d call it The Quinite or The Ultimate.

ET: If you could change one rule in chess?
Noah: I’d allow the king to be captured — it feels unfair otherwise.

ET: And finally, your own chess opening?
Noah: Noah’s Revenge — all about attacking! ⚡

ET: Thanks for your time, Noah! Can’t wait to see Noah’s Revenge in action!