I Survived Sweden's Most Isolated City... By Playing Chess.

[@omervandenbelt]

The fun part of this video is that a Finnish person on his way from Norway to Finland stopped in Kiruna, Sweden and played chess. He will remember this match a long time.

[@DFGdanger]

The question is will he remember the laughs and ice cream, or will be forever haunted by the blunders? :P

[@Primitive_Code]

He was on his way back to Oulu.

[@bacca71]

@@DFGdanger He will forever remember the beautiful, laughing girl he played chess with, which will make him recall the taste of that particular banana ice cream.

[@midou4371]

@@bacca71 cringe

[@RahimRahmat]

@@bacca71 O^o ...... "what a very suspicious remark to make....."

[@blackman7186]

That man was so friendly. I was having a bad day today and this just slightly elevated my mood seeing two strangers just smiling and having a short happy episodes in their lives.

[@florianwei2019]

he is not very friendly to fishes.

[@robjohnson7930]

One of the things I love about Europe is that you can have a half Swede, half Spanish person carry on a conversation with a Finn in fluent English. As an American, I'm only remotely fluent in one language, so was very appreciative that I was able to generally easily communicate with people from all over Europe while walking the Spanish Camino last summer.

[@Leonardo_Doratelli]

I’m from Italy and I can speak Italian, English, Albanian and I study French at school

[@NorwegianMapperandflags]

@@Leonardo_Doratelli wow

[@wyattblessing7078]

I speak American English, and Redneck English, with a smattering of Southern Hillbilly English. Oh and a few words and phrases of Mexican Spanglish.

[@bjarnesverdson1069]

Another funny thing is. She might have been able to speak Swedish with him as well. Since about 300000 (about 5% of the population) Finnish people speak Swedish as a main language. And the rest who are Finnish speakers. Have mandatory Swedish classes at school.

[@soyyoroaldo]

Yes, I noticed that too about how they spoke English so fluently. However, what Americans don’t realize is that in speaking English you’re already automatically speaking three languages fluently. Because England was twice brutally overrun and colonized - by the Romans in the time of Hadrian and Normans (French) in 1066 - there are three languages that make up English - Saxon, Latin, and French. English often has three words for the same thing we’re all completely fluent with - time, era, epoch for example - where other European languages have only one. The English vocabulary is vastly larger than its European counterparts. The reason English is the “world’s language” so to speak - why a Spanish born girl meeting a Finn in a far northern Swedish town speak English to each other - is not because English power and hegemony and “colonization” (indeed, as I’ve said, if you want to talk about colonization think of the English!) - but, basically, because it’s the best choice to serve as the “world’s language”. Artificial efforts that it be something else for vaguely or overtly political reasons - like Esperanto - are inadequate creaking failures, unpleasant to even try to learn. By committee is just not how language is made! Language is an organic living thing. Wonderful that these two people here have English at hand to speak with each other. The point is communication, nothing else.

[@AndrewPalmerJazz]

I'm not much of a chess player, but I'm a photographer. The visual storytelling and creative cinematography are really nicely done. This wasn't a chess video. This was a short film.

[@JonasCraftUltimate]

oh shut up lol

[@AndrewPalmerJazz]

@@JonasCraftUltimate Unappreciative of the arts?

[@relcnt]

bros lying

[@goodnewseverybody739]

As an American of Swedish decent I love this video. Great landscapes, random friendly people and chess, nice.

[@whatareyoudoingthis4]

This was just a good vlog essay type video and you're just horny as hell

[@archivist17]

I like that Anna can stay so sparklingly positive even when being completely ignored.

[@RobbieStacks90]

She has such an amazing personality, so, even if she weren't shooting chess videos, a lot of people would still gravitate toward her.

[@blizzard2099]

Uhhh... it's probably because she didn't film herself frowning, lol.

[@LSam01]

@@blizzard2099 When someone is frowning soon or later it's gonna be show, look hikaru lol

[@Minecraftrok999]

Well it's Sweden, they really don't like to engage with strangers. Probably even more so in such a remote town.

[@pkz420]

I'm not surprised the Sweeds ignored her. They are not known for being outgoing toward strangers.They are warm and friendly up close, but can be shy and seem aloof from a distance. But a Finn was the one to step up first? They are the only people known to be less social. What are the odds?

[@testertesteb4915]

Its not even about not being outgoing to strangers. They more like to leave people minding their own business

[@WaywardChess]

From my experience as a Swede, Swedes being like you describe is true compared to the US, but it’s not like we are shy to strangers. Of course some are, but many people are very friendly and outgoing too. Also, since so many people from other countries come to Sweden from countries that are poor or at war, many other cultures that are more social mix in Sweden which has made most Swedes more outgoing as a result of that

[@Bawamba]

haha 😁

[@blizzard2099]

Maybe I'm wrong but my thought was that you wouldn't live there if you wanted attention brought on yourself. So people are probably discreet by nature (or at least toward strangers, which they must not see that often). With Anna, a beautiful flashy stranger, installed right there with her filming gear, they were probably intimidated or taken aback in some way. Again, just a thought.. I may be wrong.

[@Bawamba]

Kiruna is a small town where veryone know eachother. The iron mine up there is like where everyone who lives there work. So it's like you said that not many outsiders get there. And it looked like she was there durin daytime, which may be the reason everyone was at work as well. But even if it was weekend, it's most likely ppl wont come up since it's a camera up and they dont want to bother. If it was closer towards the evening, and weekend, I bet some ppl would come out after they start drinking xD@@blizzard2099

[@apefu]

This is so weird. I basically did this in 2001. Except I didn't go to Kiruna to play chess, I went there for no reason. However I did talk to some people playing chess on a small travel set and they asked me to play - so I did 😊

[@TankVEN15]

how old are you then?

[@chidoking09]

I met Anna Crambling in Malmö and I lost hard.

[@iamric23]

Your parents must be so so proud of you. There's never a cloudy day when Anna is there.

[@JackFate76]

Or she just doesn’t film them.

[@helloryden]

I wish that sheep could play chess, playing the cow against a sheep would be epic

[@garynovak7977]

She kind of did play the cow against a sheep. 😁😁

[@johnb6723]

Lol.

[@moveabledo]

Yes, I lol-ed for realsies!

[@Composer_]

Mr cow

[@lestmak]

I see what you did there!

[@tolkienfan10]

She's always laughing. And you can tell that it's not a fake laugh, that she's genuine.

[@CoachJohnMcGuirk]

Like a female beavis and butthead.

[@Composer_]

Nah its fake

[@susanhanji1189]

@@Composer_ bruh

[@Composer_]

no one is that happy, its obv for the camera, when's the last time u seen her sad on camera?@@susanhanji1189

[@itsgoodiewoodie]

Laugh is an ice-breaker. It's also way to escaoe socially akward or uncomfy situations.

[@LucyMusic1999]

This wasn't just a KZbin video, this is a beautiful cinematographic piece, you rock Anna

[@PietroToniolo]

Every two years in Marostica, north of Italy, they play a real (staged) chess game with human pieces on a huge chessboard in the center of the city. They choose some spectacular game with 16 to 20 moves, to last around 20 minutes. It is surrounded by 600 or so actors/extras with medieval dress, horses... you should go there next time!

[@e2jw]

Thanks Anna - you are a breath of sweetness and sunshine in a world that has forgotten the value of simply sharing moments together. God Bless you.

[@arhansd0]

Her energy is 10 out of 10, every time when she smile, i feel like she is smiling for a reason. Her smile is such a love such an enjoy. I really need it these days

[@oneblanket2544]

The most swedish part about this video is the only person who agreed to play wasn't actually from sweden

[@robertpower6712]

So true. I've worked in international health for 40 years and have played chess in the remotest places (eg rural Zimbabwe; Alta Krai; Tibet; Kyrgyzstan). Once I was in West Papua at a bus station and noticed a chess board propped against a bus stop. I picked it up and within seconds a young boy came out of a cubicle with a set and gestured for me to play. As always, a crowd gathered. No need to be multilingual; chess is a universal language.

[@johntatum1951]

Glad you found someone...he was such a nice guy!

[@hioo3453]

I'm from a small village in Italian Alps, and in Italy we are considered pretty antisocial people. But damn, if a girl with a chessboard stood in the middle of the village like that I'm 100% sure that someone would have talked to her 😂😂

[@MI-cq7fc]

You really consider yourselves antisocial people? I'm from Spain, maybe I wouldn't consider Italians quite as outgoing as us, but I would say in general they are quite social, in my experience at least

[@mmazz414]

​@@MI-cq7fc We are social when given the opportunity, but at the same time, we really enjoy our peace and quite.

[@MI-cq7fc]

@@mmazz414 I think this is everyone though, at least to a certain level! I myself need my peace and quiet as well, but love being outgoing in many situations. I think Italy has amazing and extremely friendly people

[@mmazz414]

Totally agree.@@MI-cq7fc

[@Alexander-dt2eq]

well Kiruna is not that small. its a town and since nothing big around, must feel like a center of the whole region

[@ramachandra776]

Excellent entertaining video . Didn't know Anna was quarter Finnish . Hope this series continues with Anna travelling to remote locations .

[@publicanimal]

There is a population of Swedes in Finland so she might technically have a Swedish ancestor from Finland.

[@Sixsoul]

I laughed so hard when I saw on move two that you were gonna play the cowOf course Anna plays the cow here! MOOOOOOOOOOO!! Also Anna if you see this, the cow is my go to opening for black and has done incredibly well for me. Very few know how to play against it at the lower and middle levels. I recommend it to anyone not at the upper levels because it immediately gets people off their opening theory. It's perfect if you're like me and hate opening theory with a passion and just want to get to normal chess asap. Thanks Anna!!

[@trrlii913]

As soon as I noticed it was the cow I had to laugh too!

[@SuspenduAuGaffa]

Aw! What a lovely fellow Risto was. Looking forward to your upcoming travels!

[@erik....]

Risto

[@SuspenduAuGaffa]

@@erik.... Thanks! Edited

[@LightningGunne]

this was simply a blast to watch all the way through. great video!

[@NorwegianMapperandflags]

Loved the video!😊 So excited to where your going next!

[@clay2889]

8:53 The laughter was so contagious and wholesome

[@skakollaettklipp]

An amazing short film. You spread so much joy and act as an ambassador not only for chess but for how we should treat each other. The finnish guy clearly was a winner this day even if he had no chance against you. I'm glad I found this channel!

[@albailey2346]

These type of chess videos are really interesting. I think you’re doing great with these chess based adventures

[@Captain_Book]

Great idea! I was in Kiruna once but in february when it was -20C°. Unfortunately i didnt find someone to play chess with, but I still had a great time doing a daily tour with a dog sledge and visiting the ice hotel. I realy love sweden like I love chess! Hope your next destination will be Luleå my favorite city in sweden :)

[@tomhendriks8304]

you played this one so respectful, like starting the conversation on your own turn, and not holding back while still respectfully praising the guy for seeing his mistakes even though there is a clear skill difference.

[@Checkmate_Edits]

Meanwhile in Norway, we're playing chess with Magnus on saturdays and playing football with Haaland and Odegaard down the street.

[@Checkmate_Edits]

(I've only been to norwey once and they all know each other lol, so this is a joke)

[@Primitive_Code]

What about John Arne Riise?

[@Checkmate_Edits]

@@Primitive_Code He comes to the neighbourhood on wednesdays

[@DaBase333]

It's fun to see strangers connecting. I think I was more appreciative of that than any of the chess stuff.

[@steveturner398]

Anna, your videos are so funny and entertaining. I’m in the UK and unbelievably I recognised the scenery in Kiruna from a Nordic crime tv series I’m currently watching. Stay safe!

[@flaviucalin]

Risto is a nice man. He came from Finland to play chess with Anna.

[@Pilantravis]

Anna, you are a joy to watch. Really. Probably one of the most jovial person I ever saw. never change.

[@fintan9218]

I love these type of videos. Where im from is populated, small city, wish there was a public place to play chess especially since its a bit of a tourist spot. I should try and make it a thing somehow, but im a beginner at chess still. Lucky guy, got to play chess with anna and ICE CREAM!

[@blizzard2099]

I'm not very good at chess but, like you, I'd be tempted to try doing something like this just to meet people in a fun way. It'd be weird though to lose to every random stranger while I'd be the one challenging them....

[@fintan9218]

@@blizzard2099 right 😅, i think theres lots of beginners like us though since so many people have started playing in last three years or so. One of my favorite aspects of chess is the wide range of people who play.

[@ShoppingEagle13]

No matter where you’re at, I’ll always want to play chess with you, Anna! What a kind guy he was too lol

[@DM_Curtis]

Being with Anna in the most remote city in one of the most remote nations in the world sounds like paradise.

[@FadiFlashi]

OMG Anna I literally didn't know you make such videos! I love these SOOO MUCH! It's like a vlog + Chess combined!!! My two favs 😭

[@snouthlly1479]

You might not find a lot of people to play chess with there, but that one person who does want to play might be one of your most wholesome encounters

[@anonymustarrasque3550]

I'm so glad that Chess was able to help Anna survive Sweden's most isolated city, if the man hadn't played a game of chess with her, we all know that she would have spontaneously combusted and failed the challenge.

[@alekya815]

Exactly I’m so glad things worked out for her. Always in my thought and prayers ❤️

[@antoniocarollo9662]

if you think that chessboard is gigantic you absolutely have to take a look at the square of Marostica in Italy! every two years the historical game is played with real characters in costume.

[@andrewstothard4609]

He played like he was hungry for ice cream.

[@trrlii913]

My strategy I would play f5 first move and set up for getting immediate scholar mate. Because I am ice cream scholar

[@TomE-sq2lq]

9:15 with the wind blowing through your bair. Most beautiful soul

[@pgrabar]

That's the best 10 minutes of my day - thanks!

[@MattTheMouth]

I haven't played chess in many years but I really enjoyed it back when I did play. Your passion for it is absolutely inspiring and I plan to get myself a board very soon. Keep on creating this wonderfully fun and wholesome content!

[@CrustyCheapster]

Kudos to Risto for being such a good sport!

[@trevcessna1723]

Anna is a ray of sunshine with a kind heart, I always feel happier after watching her. :)

[@ejharrop1416]

Wonderful video. Thank you for sharing such a fun day. I laughed and smiled many times. Take care and peace out.

[@vaughnnelson4608]

Like a mini travelogue. Lots of laughing and fun during the game. Fun to see!

[@hulkslayer626]

Could you imagine? Being out on vacation, traveling Europe and happening upon an Anna out in the wild?!! 😊 and even better, she has a set and wants to play!!! 🤩

[@ATCQ94]

Great video, still such great smiles, and great scenery even when alone for some of it

[@zakhankimah2226]

I played your mother in a simultaneous exhibition in January; she seemed so lovely. Only one of the 20 players managed to draw her, so if you ever come to Gotland, make sure to challenge him.

[@stennordenmalm9900]

Hi, I was looking for a comment about Pia, and finally! I am sure not many here knows about her mother as a world class chess player. Ckeers!

[@FlVE]

this is the first ever Anna Video i watched and I gotta say I love the vibes here

[@radheshbharat9683]

How could anyone ignore such beauty?

[@pwrofmusic]

Just love normality of how she shows playing chess. Her simplicity and down to earth attitude is the best.

[@8jean8]

I love you videos! you carisma is absolutely astonishing

[@JustSomeTommy]

Rolig idé för en video. Jag älskar norra Sverige. Ska jag någonsin bo i Sverige igen så får det bli där uppe.

[@zathras11b53]

The most positive person in chess strikes again. Your content, along with a few others, got me playing. Thank you.

[@rmlgaming2091]

Anna playing Kristoff in northern Sweden was the most "Frozen" -come-to-life material I've ever seen

[@slv_jonathanc15]

Anna truly has those Golden retriever vibes

[@palhermunnjohansen4532]

When I was a little kid, I went south east from Narvik to play in a chess tournament, and beat an 1800+ rated player for the first time. Good memories. Then have some decent chess players there, for sure.

[@Im_Liaa-LvsDraw]

Anna with chess,she has a increible talent of chess,i Love your videos Anna,hugs from spain! 🇪🇦✨

[@redblobdude]

That thumbnail photograph is so artistic

[@akcsl]

You best video yet. That had me laughing all the way through

[@MykhayloDmytrenko]

We have a large chessboard in the middle of Kyiv. I'm not sure who responsible for pieces but you can play in day only

[@AltcoinShark]

Hello, can you do a video series climbing from a 200 rating to a 2000 rating? And while playing you teach us about your strategies/tactics on how to defeat your opponent. I think that might be a good one. Thanks. 🙂

[@visionbishop9517]

I see you're new to chess.Any idea how long that would take?

[@ExbotHero]

@@visionbishop9517 She has basically done that already. If I remember correctly it took 14-15 hours.) 0 to 2000 rating. It's in her library of videos.

[@mmazz414]

I freaking love your channel, Anna. You're just a genuine, fun person with no inhibitions. I hope to play you one day!!

[@Neutralius]

So Anna's grandmother is from Finland. That's why Anna's mother looks like Tove Jansson.

[@Tocinos]

That's why your mother looks like Lizzo

[@altonbrek]

When its the Cow's turn to move - its likely to be a bowel move ... ment! 😂

[@Nixontheman]

Such good content

[@KitagumaIgen]

The intro was from the old city centre. The mine is opening a new level further down and under that part of town, therefore the town is moving - and all shops have already moved to the new centre. Thats why there so few people around.

[@zeusros]

Un lugar tranquilo y bonito. Jugaría contigo si tuviera la ocasión, aunque perdería sin duda, pero al menos vería de cerca la pasión que muestras al jugar.

[@Robztraining]

I googled Kiruna am it only has about 17000 residence. I always thought it was almost the size of my hometown Östersund but it's about a third in size. Here there is also a lot more tourist year round wich makes our city center lot's busier. 😂

[@Leonardo_Doratelli]

Anna you inspired me to open my own channel ❤

[@AnnUnicornStar]

I love Anna's attitude! so positive.

[@joeythelemur2]

Anna, you should go to Finland and do a chess/table tennis collab with the Pongfinity guys. :-)

[@peterlustig4300]

Ja bitte, dann habe ich alles gesehen

[@georgerobinson1906]

I met a Finnish guy in Birmingham, England, and I thought he was from Yorkshire. 'A bit further north than that', he said.

[@michaelgrizzanti1988]

You are amazingly kind and outgoing it's a pleasure to see such a sweet soul.....❤

[@AleksiJoensuu]

I rode through Kiruna in 2015 when we did a nordic bike tour! Fin-Swe-Nor-Dk-Swe-Fin. It was really pretty there, but when we came in there were crazy long roadworks, it had rained for hours and we were exhausted. Next day was nice! Wish I had known about the giant chess board!

[@Primitive_Code]

Did you meet the Sámi people? I really would like to meet them and learn about them.

[@AleksiJoensuu]

@@Primitive_Code Sad to say we mostly just passed through. I'm not sure if you'd recognize a saamelainen without asking anyways?

[@BaroqueBlues]

When I think about Sweden I think about Yngwie Malmsteen & a cute chess player.

[@raheesom]

im glad you were SAFE travelling alone like that, although I imagine a small town like that is quite safe.

[@TimetoCheckmate]

Wait! Did you really buy him an ice cream without buying one for youself? o.O

[@user-no1cares]

They’re a very popular giant chess board in Morrow Bay CA available Monday thru Friday, 8:30AM to 5:00PM for a small fee through the Moro Bay Recreation Svc.

[@imadeanaccountjusttodothis7785]

You spelled Morro Bay wrong twice

[@user-no1cares]

@@imadeanaccountjusttodothis7785 Noticed that after I sent it! 😄

[@Ben_the_real_one]

Nice Video🎉

[@JHaras]

When she’s talking about the most isolated place, I was thinking of Karesuando. But that would have been over the top… it’s only got a couple of hundred people. Kiruna’s got almost 20k I think. Not sure if that’s town or whole municipality, but either way reasonably big for a town in Northern Sweden.

[@MoMatcha]

First

[@MoMatcha]

@@sitbone3 to bang your mom in years. I put a bag on her head.

[@ThomasLiljeruhm]

I really like how you're seeking discomfort and also trying out new fun chess video ideas. Looking forward to your chess trip through Sweden.

[@felicia9658]

Pls do more videos like this! They are so much fun!!

[@trrlii913]

Anna you dream of making chess bigger and you are doing the best thing possible by showing experience that is fun no matter win or lose. I am so happy to see this kind of joyful experience in chess, rather than always try to crush opponents, gaining elo, and outlearning your opponent with 15 moves of the Najdorf. Just simple, joyful chess for everybody. This game especially needs more of that. It's the missing piece on the board.

[@fredskronk]

Swedes are already famous for being introverted. And then you go up north where they’re even more so :)

[@wericia1657]

There's a large chess board in Örnsköldsvik too by the docks, last time i was around there was also pieces!

[@matthollandsf]

Also traveled from Stockholm (where I was working at the time) to Kiruna to see the midnight sun. Definitely a very quiet place, not much going on. The Ice Hotel is nearby and interesting to visit. You can tour the some of the rooms even if you're not staying.

[@OlleJonasson-pr8lu]

Very good initiative going out and make chess more well known. It takes a charming person like Anna to do that in a sucessfull way.

[@betazep]

I am from the USA, but I live in Finland. I absolutely love that you found a Fin in remote Sweden to play chess with! 😄

[@marekmusinsky282]

Thats's such a wholsome video, I love it!

[@filipe7859]

It is pretty nice to know someone by playing chess. Like, in adult life is so difficult to meet someone, I think I should play more chess in public.

[@MedicatedActivities]

I absolutely loved this! The music and story telling is so perfect!

[@adv4236]

As someone who has set up chess boards in public, I know the anxiety inducing pain that is waiting to find an opponent. Amazing video

[@rajdas1201]

This is such a beautiful video. I never expected this to be so warm and full of life. Chess really can unite the world. I think sports is a good way to see common humanity. The best part is that the man was so positive and fun. Anna you are a very good host and the whole video radiates positivity.

[@Ironfranko]

In Amsterdam (NL) we have giant chessboards, and actually there are giant plastic chess pieces stored in metal boxes nearby the chessboard.

[@Jeremy-kg1zr]

I love these wholesome videos. Definitely my favorite.