At a young age, junior Richie Stoeckel said he had already discovered a propensity for chess after his initial curiosity sparked from his father’s old chess boards.

“My dad was the person who got me into playing chess. I remember as a kid, I was very interested in the chess board and what all the pieces were for,” Stoeckel said.

According to Stoeckel, he didn’t begin pursuing the game until his freshman year. He said his seriousness stemmed from the simple rules and high strategy of the game.

“I used to play a lot for fun, but about two years ago, I started to get more serious about the game,” Stoeckel said. “I just like its simplicity. There is a certain amount of rules to follow and a ton of complex ideas you can use.”

Stoeckel said his newfound dedication helps him excel in more than just chess. He said his progression within the game continues to influence his academic performance and organizational skills.

“I tend to start grouping things together and making up strategies for everyday life events,” Stoeckel said. “I have been able to effectively use my time for classes and organize my schoolwork in a more beneficial manner.”

Stoeckel said he does not look to pursue chess as a career or attend tournaments, but acknowledges the evident impact it has on his life and skill level.

“I don’t really want to compete at any tournaments,” Stoeckel said. “I recognize that it is a fun game and activity, and mostly enjoy building my skills and organization.”

The chess club meets 3:15 p.m. every Wednesday in room B134 and welcomes anyone looking to join.