From the opening gambit to the final checkmate, the Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) Falcons’ Phem Nicole Eder knows no limits when soaring high as she claimed the women’s chess title at this year’s Palarong Atenista Women’s Chess tournament, earning 8 points out of 9 rounds.

Despite her commanding play on the board, Eder revealed that she entered the tournament with little to no preparation.

“To be honest, I did not prepare at all because I focused on my acads, and I was just recently informed that today [September 28] was the tournament, so I didn’t have time to prepare,” she said.

Her closest scare came against the Social Sciences (SS) Dragons, where she admitted being passive early on.

“Maybe because I was too relaxed during the first few games. What I can say is that never again will I play too unfazed during a game ever.”

Behind her successful campaign was a balance of timely transitions into solid defense.

“My signature move was that I was too aggressive during the games, but at the same time, I knew when to lower down my aggressiveness and defend,” she shared.

Her victory came in a tight field, narrowly surpassing the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) Tigers, who ended up in second place with 7 points, and the Computer Studies (CS) Chameleons’ AJ Krystle Castro, who secured third with 6 points.

The chess competition was held at F213 Multipurpose Room, Finster Building, on September 28.