Vicenza Middle / High School

What is chess club?

Chess club is an opportunity for students to get together and have a fun and beneficial activity.

Why chess?

Besides the benefits mentioned below, chess has a lasting quality. Chess has been called, “The sport of kings and royalty,” which has remained popular throughout the centuries. Chess is universally played; you can find the game in downtown Vicenza as well as Walla Walla, Washington. Rightly or wrongly, the ability to play chess is an identifiable symbol of intelligence. Being on the chess team will pull as much weight as being on the football team on your transcript, maybe more.

Why is chess beneficial?

Chess is beneficial because numerous studies have shown that playing chess improves student’s grades and comprehension in all their classes. Attached is a link where this idea is explored in more detail: http://www.quadcitychess.com/benefits_of_chess.html Chess helps students develop sportsmanship, problem solving, and independent thinking skills.

When would chess club meet?

Likely the club would meet one day a week after school to be determined by those involved. Students can also play at lunch; there are sets and clocks available for use. We would have tournaments as can be arranged.

What if I don’t know how to play or am not very good?

Chess club is the place to come and learn! I would be willing to bet that very few people have been taught any strategy for chess. With just a few pointers, your ability will improve dramatically. Chess also has a self-leveling rating system, so when you play, you are paired against opponents of similar ability to yourself.