The Syrian Refugee Who Has Become Germany’s Youngest National Chess Player at 11

Chess prodigy Hussain Besou, 11, of Syrian origin plays chess with Andreas Kuehler, his former coach of LSV Turm Lippstadt chess club, at his home in Lippstadt, Germany, on April 4, 2023. Thilo Schmuelgen/Reuters

LIPPSTADT, Germany—Hussain Besou was just four when he started asking his father to teach him chess, hovering around the board as he played in the evenings in the Middle East until he said yes.

After mastering the basic moves, Besou quickly surprised everyone with his talent.