LOCAL PEOPLE: James Briant

by Stephanie Williams

As founder of Black Square Chess, James has taken the game from a handful of after school classes to over 200 schools across Tasmania.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? I grew up in the bustling community of South Hobart but also spent half my time out at Penna near Sorell on our family farm. At the moment, I live in Howrah with my partner and my dog, Archie. Absolutely loving the close access to the beach and running tracks nearby.

What do you do for work? In 2021, I started Black Square Chess, a company that originally taught school children how to play chess. In the very beginning, I ran a few classes after school at some local schools. Midway through 2021, another few schools approached me to start and now we operate in over 200 schools across Tasmania. Lately, we have been building up Interschool tournaments, State Championships and encouraging adults to get involved, while working on more pathways and even National Championships.

How did you get into chess? When I was young, about five, my family friend taught me how to play and I wasn’t too bad. From there I was entered into regional tournaments, which lead to state championships, which leads to Aus Championships. From 15-25, I lost touch with chess, but came back after Sports Management Study and decided it was to be a passion.

Do you compete too? What has been your proudest moment while competing? I run about 70 tournaments a year around Tassie, so I don’t compete too much. I usually have one tournament a year where I play. The 2023 Tasmanian Open was a highlight, just fumbling the overall win by losing in the last round.

Why do you think chess has such enduring popularity across age groups? Chess is probably the most played game in the world, maybe second to soccer, actually. The combination of strategic thinking, memory and outwitting your opponent is a drawcard. Something about controlling an army to defeating the opposing team has its perks. Chess is one of those things that you can learn as a four-year-old and still play well into your 90s.

What is your favourite opening move? My favourite opening is called the Scotch Game (which I try to teach all my students). It involves moving both E4 (Eric) and D4 (Derrick) into the middle to start off.

What advice would you give to young players? Come to some tournaments or chess clubs and give it a go! Through the internet, chess.com and LiChess, you can get extremely good very quickly and easily become better than friends and family. Duolingo also has chess, which my students have challenged me to get a 365 day streak, tonight is 316!!

What’s something you wish more people knew about what you do? Generally speaking, chess is pretty underground and receives criticism as being solely for nerdy characters. My main passion is to illuminate that chess is so great developmentally for any age and is a game that can be played lifelong. While it is fun, it can also be used as a tool for brain-training. We are starting to have the very athletic, football-types getting really into chess. Great to have people training both their bodies and mind symbiotically.

Who do you admire? There are lots of people out there I admire. People standing up against injustices and working for a better future. Stephen Bartlett, Bill Gates, for example. I really admire all the kids and parents who are brave enough to do what they want because they love it rather than just following the crowd, especially all of our little chess legends.

Favourite podcast or tv show? Right now, I am into The House of the Dragon and eagerly awaiting the new Harry Potter Series

What are you reading now? The Diary of a CEO at the moment!

What was your first job? I was lucky enough to be alright at tennis as a junior and found a job as a Tennis Coach in Year 8 for holiday and afterschool work.

What are your daily news/social media habits? Right now it is watching the SBS Recaps of the FIFA World Cup. ABC News gets a run and a little too much social media, but Pulse Tasmania does a great job.

Your favourite place for…

Breakfast: Without a doubt, Ginger Brown.

Lunch: Normally racing between classes, a bit of Hokkaido Sushi.

Dinner: Jimmy Special (add chicken) from Cugini’s is unbeatable.

Dream holiday destination? Next year, my partner and I are getting married in Vanuatu, so I think I have to put that there. Everest Base Camp is a very close second.

Favourite Tasmanian secret? I really enjoy slowly ticking off the Abels and my favourite so far has been Mt Wedge down in the South West.

Parting words? Just how grateful I am to this chess community that we have built, with over 5000 families strong. I really get to enjoy each day and meet such great people with great stories.

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Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces- June 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces – May 2026

Bits and Pieces- May 2026

Stay up to date with everything happening at the Hobart Magazine.

Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

Landscape artist and creative Elliott Nimmo is enjoying discovering Hobart’s vibrant art scene and local environment after relocating here from London to pursue his art.

Even though Tasmania is known for its mild summers, it doesn’t take much to get sunburnt. Tasmania experiences extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t due to the hole in the ozone layer, which is actually south of the continent.While higher UV levels often occur at the same time as higher temperatures, the two are not linked. Instead, UV levels are determined by the angle of the sun in the sky: the higher the sun, the higher the UV. In December and January, the position of the sun over Tasmania gives the state a UV index of 11 or more on most days, which is classified as “extreme” on the UV index. Tasmania’s lack of humidity and generally clear skies contribute to the stinging feeling of the sun. UV can reflect off buildings and water, making it possible to get a higher dose of UV from these reflected rays, even in the shade.

Setting up shop during a pandemic was a risky move, but if the crowd at Dāna Eating House (Dāna) on a Friday night is anything to go by, it’s one that’s paid off. With tables of diners chatting and laughing over drinks, the music and conversation buzzes off the monstera-leaf-green walls. Low-hanging rattan lights and worn wooden floorboards give the newly opened South-East Asian fusion venue in Hobart’s CBD a relaxed vibe.

A Holyman flagged ship hasn’t steamed up the River Derwent since 1984 but the company’s name still proudly adorns its former offices at 5 Morrison Street, Hobart.

Widening the Tasman Bridge to allow 3.5 metres on each side is a big win for walkers and cyclists.

Need a laugh? Check out @theinspiredunemployed feed on Instagram.

Rain, hail and shine, the school crossing guards are always there to help with a smile on their face.

It’s hard to believe it’s not standard practice to have a working phone in every aged care room - shared phones make private conversations impossible and increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Just when you think your cousins are alright. NZ Opposition Leader Judith Collins took aim at Tassie during her recent (unsuccessful) campaign, calling us Australia’s “poor cousin.” She also seems worried about us nabbing tech businesses, “It’s a lovely part of the world but do you necessarily want to go there with your high- tech business? Possibly not,” she said. We beg to differ!