Senior Jose León and a group of friends decided to play chess one day in the Library Media Center (LMC) at the beginning of the year. The two-player strategy game has become an extremely popular activity this year for students looking for something to do during study hall.

“Chess is a great game because it involves a lot of strategy,” León said. “It has gotten to the point where almost all of the chess boards in the LMC are always being used.”

Students are able to check out chess boards and checkerboards from the LMC throughout the day. The media assistants in the LMC purchased two more sets because the game has become so popular this year. According to media assistant in the LMC Danya Castro people started to play chess last year, but it was not very common.

“The game of chess has expanded and is flourishing this year,” Castro said. “During the day, around 5 to 6 boards are constantly checked out during the day. Guys used to be the only ones who played chess, but now girls are even starting to play.”

Freshman Marcie James said she was introduced to the game this year, and became very interested after watching people play.

“I’ve watched games during study hall, and it was very interesting to me,” James said. “I’m hooked. It’s something new, and I really want to become a better player.”

Freshman Danielle Patterson said chess is a great game to play during school since it’s encouraged by the media assistants.

“The librarians in the Media Center don’t care and actually like when we play, so it’s a great and fun thing to do,” Patterson said.

Castro said all of the media assistants love to see students playing chess, and even teachers who have study halls should look into it as an option to keep students occupied.

“It’s a productive activity for students since the game is very thought provoking,” Castro said. “Study halls should implement chess and other board games to keep students interested and in class. One problem I have found with chess, however, is that students will sometimes get to class too late since they are so intrigued with the game.”

Senior Patrick Halloran, a chess player for the majority of his life, started playing during school last year during study hall. Halloran said the game is much more popular since last year, and that he has rediscovered his passion for the game.

“It’s become so popular it’s hard to find a good chess board to use during the day,” Halloran said. “I have even started to play chess on my iPhone with other students outside of school.”