Were you a chess enthusiast as a youngster? You might see yourself battling over a board in our gallery.

Bury Mercury: Under 12s competing in the Ipswich Junior Chess Championships at Copleston High School, Ipswich, in 2002Under 12s competing in the Ipswich Junior Chess Championships at Copleston High School, Ipswich, in 2002 (Image: Archant)

Chess has recently seen a surge in popularity in the wake of hit Netflix drama The Queen’s Gambit. The show tells the story of a young girl in a 1950s orphanage, who reveals an amazing talent for the game.

Bury Mercury: A Junior Chess tournament in Bury St Edmunds in March 1987A Junior Chess tournament in Bury St Edmunds in March 1987 (Image: Archant)

But it has also been a much-loved pastime over the years, with players showing their skills at tournaments around Suffolk and Essex.

Bury Mercury: The Junior Chess Championship at Copleston High School in Ipswich in 2002The Junior Chess Championship at Copleston High School in Ipswich in 2002 (Image: Archant)

The expressions on the young chess players' faces in these photos show just how much concentration the game takes - while still being great fun too.

Bury Mercury: A Junior Chess Tournament in Ipswich in 1989A Junior Chess Tournament in Ipswich in 1989 (Image: Archant)

Chess is an ancient game. Although its exact origins are unknown, early forms originated in India around the 6th century AD.

Bury Mercury: Colchester Boys High School chess team reached the finals of the Independent School chess championships in May 1995Colchester Boys High School chess team reached the finals of the Independent School chess championships in May 1995 (Image: Archant)

Its popularity has endured through the centuries, and battles between some of the most famous grandmasters even inspired the Tim Rice musical Chess.

Bury Mercury: West Suffolk Junior Chess tournament at King Edward School, Bury St Edmunds in March 1984West Suffolk Junior Chess tournament at King Edward School, Bury St Edmunds in March 1984 (Image: Archant)

Bury Mercury: Suffolk Junior Chess Championships at Stowmarket High School in May 1999Suffolk Junior Chess Championships at Stowmarket High School in May 1999 (Image: Archant)

Bury Mercury: Junior Chess at the County Upper School in Bury St Edmunds in February 1989Junior Chess at the County Upper School in Bury St Edmunds in February 1989 (Image: Archant)

Bury Mercury: The Under 18s chess tournament at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds in March 1979The Under 18s chess tournament at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds in March 1979 (Image: Archant)

If these photos bring back memories, email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk

To order copies of photos, visit our website or call Diane Townsend on 01603 772449.