60-Second Symposium

By Melissa August, Harriet Barovick, Autumn DeLeon, Tam Gray, Lina Lofaro, James Poniewozik and Michele Orecklin

CHESS MATES The International Chess Federation's world championships started last week, and even though they're in Las Vegas, still nobody cares. We asked some of the biggest names in sports what they would do to spice up chess's image. Hey, if it worked for soccer...

Bob Ley, ESPN SportsCenter anchor: Chess has a rich history of personal rivalry and quirky characters, and they need to publicize that aspect. Obviously, contestants should also wear those Lycra body suits, and I think the replay rule should be seriously considered. Frankly, I'm shocked it's not on pay-per-view.

George Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees: I love the game the way it is, but the average fan is action oriented and isn't patient enough by nature to understand the true beauty of the game. I don't think it's possible to make chess more action oriented without hurting the very foundation of the game.

Vince McMahon, chairman of the World Wrestling Federation: I would start with a nice pyrotechnic display, add some voluptuous women to wipe the contestants' brows. I guess I would also add hard rock music in there somewhere and some physicality. Whoever loses would be hit with a folding metal chair.