Chess. A grid of sixty-four squares, a king, a queen, two knights, bishops, and rooks, plus an army of pawns that, together, make up their own new universe. A game that, while started hundreds of years ago, has only recently repopularized. Whether you know chess from 3rd grade enrichment programs, the popular Netflix show “The Queen’s Gambit,” or from xQc’s six move checkmate, the game has become a popular, everyday hobby. But what makes this complex game of strategy so well-liked? To get a better understanding, I reached out to some of the members of Chatham High’s Chess Club.
To kick things off, I spoke to one of chess clubs finest: Matt Gallop. He says, “Chess has impacted my life in so many ways and has taught me many lessons. Just a few months ago, I was lost and without purpose. I had no vision, but then chess came into my life and it was love at first sight.” Matt joined chess.com this September and has since then improved his rating by over 200!
Pranav Venugopal, another chess grinder, says that chess “challenges the mind in ways that no other sport can.”Pranav has also grown substantially since this fall.
As President of Chess Club, I often tell my peers that there’s always room to grow. In chess you have to think ten moves ahead and, while Scholar’s Mate may work against beginners, evolution to more advanced strategies like the Cicilean Defense and Stafford Gambit will be what allows you to transform into a grandmaster. Those outside of the chess community may not understand the complexity of the game at first glance. It involves traps, early game development, protection among pieces, and the ability to see into the future.
I know what you’re thinking: Wow, chess looks really cool, I wish I could be a part of the community! Well now you can be! Chess club is always looking for new members, regardless of how skilled they are. For more information at the club email me: raaidkhan@chatham-nj.org. Join soon as we will be having our second tournament in the coming weeks with a grand prize of $10.00!
Not interested in joining the club? That’s chill too. Still, feel free to make an account on chess.com to improve your strategy, you can play me anytime: @raaid.khan