National Master Chess champion Martha Samadashvili spent her 15th birthday competing against 20 chess players simultaneously.

The Emma Willard student says she started studying chess at the age of 7.

"My grandmother visited from Georgia — the country — and at first it wasn't something I was really into but then realized I really liked the game," Samadashvili said.

When she was 12 years old, Samadashvili became a national master and went on to compete in games worldwide. She says being one of the youngest female champions was a calculated move.

"I think it's really important for women to get involved because chess is a game with equal rights, and women can play it as well as men can," Samadashvili said.

Young girls playing against Samadashvili Friday night say seeing her inspires them.

"I feel like I want to be like that. It motivates me to play better," said one of those young girls.

Organizers say they will have more competitions like this in an effort to make Schenectady the chess championship capital of the world.

"We want to be a city known for great chess and one of the reasons is that chess is a great unifying activity," said Michael Saccocio, City Mission executive director.

Samadashvili says she is proud she can unify so many people, playing a sport she loves.

"I'm really glad I'm here right now and I wouldn't exchange it for anything," Samadashvili said.