Checkmate

Hearing about the PSU Chess Association, one might be intimidated by their lack of experience in the game. He or she might assume that they have to know how to play in order to join. This club can present itself as a chance to learn how to play for those who haven’t had the opportunity yet.

Players of all skill levels are welcome to come and enjoy the company of their peers, “As well as some faculty or old timers from the town chess club that show up every once in a while,” said Charlie Miller-Nelson, a sophomore Computer Science major. He has been a part of the club since his first semester at PSU, joining as soon as heard of the group.

Newcomers are welcome to come and learn the basics of piece movement. They have the opportunity to “choose to engage in casual, slow-paced games, or opt to play competitive blitz games in which they are limited to 3 or 5 minutes total,” said senior Biology major and president, John Gross.

Gross’s favorite part of the meetings are seeing the varying levels of ability present themselves. The wide arrange of talent makes it easy to pair up members with other’s that are close in ability for a fair, and fun game.

The part of the club that Miller-Nelson most enjoys is playing chess. He said, “It’s also great fun just hanging out with people that share a common interest.” Members can bring games like Checkers or Stratego to the meetings as well.

If one finds they are struggling in the beginning, he or she should stick it out. “Chess is a complex game that takes a while to get the hang of, but you can have fun with it even if you are just starting,” said Gross.

They have one regular participant who is almost at expert status in the USCF. This player has even gone and beaten Master level chess players in tournaments. During this past fall semester, they “followed the World Chess Championship and played out the games, speculating what was going through the heads of the world’s top two chess players,” said Miller-Nelson.

Some meetings have started to include pizzas after the Union Grille offered the president a deal. People interested in seeing what they are all about, are encouraged to stop by and enjoy a game or two.

Gross said they have “an average weekly attendance of about 10, although it fluctuates greatly.” Any interested participants are more than welcome to contact Gross by sending an email to jagross@plymouth.edu. He will then add those students to an e-mail list that will keep them updated on meetings and events. Gross is anticipating several possible upcoming events, including a tournament with prizes.

The Chess Club meets every Wednesday night in the HUB Tower Room. The meeting generally lasts from 6:00-7:30pm. People are welcome to come and go as they please during this time period.