Strategists in Springfield Plains Elementary’s Chess Club are set to compete for school championship Thursday, March 6.
Last year’s winner, fifth-grader Andrew Dalrymple, will defend his title.
The kids must know how to play in order to join the club. Most aid they learned how to play from their parents.
‘My dad taught me how to play after teaching me checkers,? said third-grader Devin Spalding.
The club has one undefeated champion so far this year. T.J. Andree, fifth grade, has a record of 8-0. Andree likes the game of chess because it takes a lot of strategy and puts his mind to the test.
Brian Gill, fourth grade, likes to ‘make sense of what your opponent is going to do and why. That’s what chess is all about.?
Grades 1-5 are allowed to join. Kathy Schlaff usually pairs up the kids according to their grade. But, sometimes she likes to put older and younger kids together.
‘It’s a good way for the younger children to develop their skills,? she said. ‘It’s a good after school activity for kids who don’t like to play sports. ?
Schlaff has been running the chess club for three years. It runs for eight weeks, January-March.