Who needs chess clubs? Schools need chess clubs!

It’s fall and the days are getting shorter and colder. Summer sports are over and we start playing indoors. Not everyone wants to play basketball, hockey or join the math or robotic clubs. Some kids want to play a hard game with their friends that also challenges their brain – how about chess!

A chess club is a great place for kids to get together and learn and improve their game. There are many scholastic chess tournaments in the area where kids can go with friends and pit themselves against other young players. In the spring, players can represent their schools and play in the Oregon State Championship in Seaside, Oregon.

If your child’s school doesn’t have a chess club but would like to start one, contact me (Coach Larry), and I will be happy to help. For over 60 years, I have been part of many chess clubs across America. I have helped start many clubs and am always willing to get another one going. If you want to just help out, every school club needs people to volunteer so get involved!

Chess is a game that the whole family can play, no matter how young or old. I have students who play family members in India on the computer. It’s one way they can keep in touch. They can also review the games they play in tournaments. They are half a world away, yet chess helps bring them closer. At the Beaverton Chess Club, I see kids as young as 8 taking on players over 70 and everyone is enjoying the games. They laugh and review their games together and set up the board for another one.

You don’t have to be a master to play and enjoy a game of chess. I have worked with players of all levels and it’s fun to see all of them improve. We would like to set up chess matches between schools. So, if you have a team of five please let me know and I will set up some matches. I hope to make Beaverton the chess center of Oregon with some of the best players.

Larry Ball (Coach Larry) teaches students of all ages at the Steinitz Chess Academy in Beaverton. For more information, email Larry at larryball48@yahoo.com.

Why learn chess? Simple: It’s a great mental workout that helps children perform well in the classroom. Chess is a logical game where kids have to plan ahead and adjust to new situations. But most of all, it’s fun!