Chess club strategizes for a new year
Adviser, students look to increase attendance
December 10, 2015
For chess club adviser Mary Norris, strategy, anticipation, skill and memorization are what it takes to be a chess player.
This year, junior Eric Manuel was the first to suggest the revival of chess club. Manuel said he looked to expand his skills by playing with a variety of students.
“I wanted to play with more than just one person,” Manuel said. “You can increase your knowledge by playing and learning from more students.”
The first meeting, held Nov. 18, had a turnout of four students, less than last year’s 10. According to Manuel, the club looks to get more recognition from the student body by advertising the club more effectively.
“In the upcoming weeks, we are looking to get more people interested and do more publicity for the club,” Manuel said.
According to Norris, chess club provides an open forum to learn new skills with friends. She said the meetings are generally student-run, with no set schedules or time constraints.
“It depends on the kids,” Norris said. “On a typical day, there is no set agenda. People just come here, pair up and start playing.”
However, Manuel said chess club has lasting effects on more than just the game itself. He said he thinks it has the ability to strengthen many aspects of the mind and increase life skills.
“It can increase critical thinking because you have to plan ahead,” Manuel said. “It’s a game based on strategy, so it also has lasting effects for someone’s ability to problem solve. It teaches you to anticipate what’s going to happen next and stay composed.”
Norris said the club considers participating in tournaments in the near future. However for the time being, she said the club provides a laid back environment to be with friends and understand the game better.
“It’s just a place where the people who have a passion for this game, can take a break from their day and play with like minded people,” Norris said.
Anyone is welcome to join the club, regardless of experience. Meetings take place 3:15 p.m. every Wednesday in room B134.
