The annual Bathurst Zone chess competition attracted students from four schools – St Philomena's Catholic Primary School, The Assumption School, Holy Family Primary School and the Scots School.

Competition was held at the St Philomena's hall and involved players from six to 12 years old who all played each other once.

Among them were three brothers – Paddy, Jack and Billy O’Hara – who all go to St Philomena’s.

Midway through one of his games Billy O’Hara, 7, paused to tell the Western Advocate that he loves playing chess.

“You get to go to different levels,” he said.

When asked what the secret to winning chess was, Billy giggled and then whispered.

"You have to get the checkmate,” he said.

One of Billy’s competitors on the day was Holy Family student Kieran Falcke, 10.

“It’s fun, you get to meet other people,” he said of playing chess.

Competition co-ordinator Shane Hanley said it was a great competition with a lot of good sportsmanship on show.

Overall championship winner on the day was the Holy Family A team.

The best player was St Philomena's student Paddy O’Hara, coming in second place was Holy Family student Calvin Windus.

“Winners will progress to play against the Dubbo or Orange Zone winner,” Mr Hanley said.