Have you ever wanted to battle your peers head to head in a game of skill, strategy and logic? Well Chess Club must be for you! Often the smartest of your friends may get into chess because of how it challenges your mind. This process of beating your opponent has been studied for millennia, something is so intriguing about the countless possibilities and moves to make with an 8X8 board. Chess Club is held in the cafeteria afterschool until 3:15pm. It is also free to join. The club meets usually from mid October 16th to the end of February. Someone may question why chess has its own club but this is seen as a great opportunity for those to learn something new and even make new friends.
“Pawn to E4” Jackie stated, this statement began a heated chess match between students Jackie Heinz and William Falsetta. They went back and forth trading pieces with a strong Sicilian defense by Will. These students are experienced chess players and studied enough theory to get them to the middlegame relatively even on the playing field. Jackie tried to string an attack along with a Queen and Rook on the same rank but she made a crucial mistake. Will’s unsuspecting Bishop that was lurking in the outskirts of William’s side of the board was activated. He took the Rook, giving him a lead in material and a strong advantage going into the endgame. Will wouldn’t have the best endgame but he ended out with a win and a better overall record. The two students shook hands and went off to challenge other players. That’s what you can expect at chess club.
If you won’t take our word for how great this club can be, then just listen to some quotes by some of the more respected chess players. “I have made a lot of friends from this club! I like to destroy the competition, no mercy whatsoever” – John Wall (Sophomore). “I have had a few humbling losses here and there but, I’m determined to prove that I can be the best in this school” – Matthew Rein (Junior). “I joined this club in freshman year, I was one of the absolute worst. This motivated me to study chess and it’s gradually improved my problem solving skills and so much more. I cannot recommend this club enough to anyone who hasn’t joined” – Ryan Edwards (Senior). These quotes are a great telling of what this club can do for you if you join today!
Some information you should know about chess club are the rules set in structure. There are 3 rules, 1: Be respectful and kind to those around you, 2: Don’t interfere with people’s games and 3: Don’t be afraid to ask for tips. Here in chess club rules are enforced to help make the experience of learning and competing much easier for everyone.
Undoubtedly chess is a great game to have for kids here at ITHS. It teaches us to challenge our brains. So be sure to check out the chess club next year. And bring some friends and just have some fun.
