The Smoked Gambit - Beginner's Edition
AKI invites skilled players for an evening of strategy, conversation, and quiet competition. Guided by Elie Y. Khairallah, guests will compete across five rapid rounds in an intimate setting designed for thoughtful play and meaningful connections.About this experience
The Smoked Gambit — Beginner’s Edition
An evening of chess, conversation, and discovery.
Join us for a special beginner’s edition of The Smoked Gambit, designed for those looking to learn, improve, and enjoy the game in a relaxed and engaging setting.
Guided by Elias Y. Khairallah, President of the Amicale Chess Club and International Arbiter, the evening will take the form of an interactive chess course, blending expert guidance with open-format games where guests can put new skills into practice, test their strategies, ask questions, and simply have fun.
From understanding key principles to making more confident moves across the board, Elias will guide players throughout the evening with practical tips, live insights, and hands-on support.
Throughout the experience, guests will enjoy one cigar, one whisky, and a selection of amuse-bouches by AKI The Lounge — because every good game deserves the right ritual.
No tournament pressure. No need to be an expert. Just an evening to learn, play, connect, and discover the beauty of chess — one move at a time.
When: Wednesday, July 29th, 7:00 PM
Where: AKI The Lounge
Open to: Beginners and curious players looking to improve their game.
Your Host
Elias Y. Khairallah is a FIDE Arbiter and Trainer, International Arbiter, President of Amicale Chess Club, and Sports Director at the Lebanese University. A respected figure in the regional chess community, he leads Amicale Chess Club, one of Lebanon's most active chess institutions dedicated to developing competitive players and promoting chess as a discipline of skill, strategy, and intellectual excellence.
The club has organized Arab and Asian international tournaments, bringing together players from across the region and beyond. Through regular training, competitions, and interaction with international champions and trainers, the club is committed to empowering its team members and continuously elevating their level of play.
For Elie, chess is more than a game—it is a respected sport that cultivates discipline, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.