São Lourenço Chess Club

By PKworld Staff

The Game of Kings has come to São Lourenço. Among the many school activities on offer this term has been the EISL Chess Club, which meets Monday lunchtime in the Year Nine classroom. Originally planned for Middle and Senior School students, it has evolved into a Middle School club, open to students in Years Seven to Nine.

Participation has been good, with the numbers of members showing up averaging ten each week. This means there are always four or five games going on at once. The focus has been on playing as many games as possible so members can improve their game and experience match conditions. Ability level is about even, as no club member has won every game he has played.

Students who have participated so far include Alexander, Sam, Christopher, Oliver and Keanu in Year Seven; Ross, Dominic and Antonis in Year Eight; and Haashim, Sam, George, Freddy and Ian in Year Nine. The club is open to students of all ability levels, including someone who doesn’t even know how to play.

As we move into the Spring term the goals are to increase participation, further improve our skills, establish a ranking system, and participate in at least one tournament outside school. The club plans to raise money to purchase proper chess sets and timers, as well as end of year prizes. With enough participation, it could also become an after school activity.