The 1500-year-old game is alive in Chess Club. During our first weeks, we focused on learning the rules of the game and getting some matches under our belts. Then we focused on chess notation, so we could go over our old games, and so the students could take decades-old games from professional chess players and re-create them if they wanted. Puzzles and strategy discussions sprinkled in between practice games all in preparation of our first tournament.

Playing against each other dozens of times can only improve our skills so much, so on October 21, we went to our first organized event! Hosted by Lakeside School, this Swiss- style tournament welcomed students from all over the state to compete. Not only was this an excellent time to face new opponents, but also this was the first time the players had the opportunity to receive ratings from a regional organization. 

The games were tough. We faced strange strategies and new players all under the banner of friendly competition. Each student faced five new opponents and we even managed to make some new friends because of it. While none of the students walked away with any trophies, they left with something better—new experiences.

Register for Winter Chess Club now to be a part of the future of Chess!