YA--Boy playing chess [s]

[Emily]

So I read this book sometime in the mid to late 90's. The main character of the book is a boy who plays chess. During an important match he has to play a deaf kid, and he's jealous that it's easier for him to focus simply by turning off his hearing aids. I think he compensates by wearing a ski mask at some point? Throughout the book, the main character sits on a bench with an old man and complies an alphabetical list of diseases.

Any ideas?

[D.M.]

Found it, Your Move, J.P.! by Lois Lowry

"Appearances can't be trusted," the man said. "Name a disease. Go alphabetical."

"...this kid at school, Kevin Kerrigan has a hearing aid, and he uses it like a weapon."

[Emily]

Wow, thank you so much!

[D.M.]

No problem, Glad to help.