More Than a Game: The Return of Chess
Chess Club president Oscar Tomkin holds his head in his hands after photographer accidentally turns flash on.
Chess is the world’s most popular board game. Estimates suggest that over 10 million chess games are played daily on Chess.com alone, with many more on other websites and in person. Studies estimate that around 21% of this school knows how to play chess, most likely online.
At the UHS chess club, members play over-the-board games with a physical board and pieces.
“A chess club represents the spirit of the school, honing one’s academic abilities through the practice and teaching of chess,” said Oscar Tomkin, 11, club founder and President.
Chess is bigger than ever, both as a competitive sport and, more recently, even an e-sport! The time has never been better to learn or come back to the game.
Despite the competitive energy, this is not a competitive chess team! As the chess writer Irving Chernev said, “Every chess master was once a beginner.” A beginner friendly, student-led club, members are welcome to play competitively, coach each other on the finer strategic points of the game, or even just teach you how to move the pieces.
You can come with no experience and are welcome to just watch and learn. For more serious players, optional free tournament mentorship is available as well: practice with competitive notation, handling clocks and time controls, and tournament rules and etiquette.
How to Join
Whether you’re interested in chess, have been for a while, or know nothing about this beautiful sport, stop by and check us out—invite a friend as well! Feel free to just show up, meetings are held in Room 2152 at 2:30 on Wednesdays.
Email Tristan Tanta at tristan.tanta@urbanasd116.org or Oscar Tomkin at oscar.tomkin@urbanasd116.org if you have any questions. Hope to see you soon across the sixty-four squares!
Here is our GroupMe Link and QR code (used to announce events, updates, guests, and possible time changes and cancellations):
About The Author
