WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES AUGUST 16, 2018 23
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Get Involved in the Game of Chess
Chess, once a game considered to
be reserved for the affl uent and
older men, is creating a cooler
image with a younger demographic.
The ancient game has seen a rising
level of involvement among young
people in the United States, and there's
even a growing interest in watching
tournaments, where big money is at
stake.
Youth who are interested in taking
up the game can fi nd plenty of inspirational
role models; three of the top 10
players in the world are from the United
States, which is now host to some of
the most prestigious chess events in
the world including the U.S. and U.S.
Women's Chess Championships, the
U.S. Junior Championship and U.S.
Girls' Junior Championship and the
Sinquefi eld Cup.
If you're interested in taking up
the game on your own or sharing the
experience with a young player, here
are some tips to get started.
PRACTICE AT HOME
As the saying goes, the best place to
begin is the beginning, and with chess,
that means taking time to understand
the game. Grow familiar with the
chess board and pieces, as well as the
rules and basic strategy. Practicing
at home with friends and family can
build a foundation for learning more
complex game play down the road.
LEARN ABOUT ITS
HISTORY
The origins of chess date back as far
as 1,500 years, and for young players,
the ability to take an active part in a
piece of history can hold an element of
fascination on its own. One way to explore
the game's history is to visit the
World Chess Hall of Fame in the U.S.
Chess capital, St. Louis, which currently
features a series of exhibitions that
highlight the connections between
chess, art, culture and history. Plan
your visit at worldchesshof.org.
ENCOURAGE FRIENDS TO
TAKE INTEREST
Chess provides a unique dynamic
for a pair of players to converse and
bond over the love of the game while
developing a mutual respect for one
another. Encourage your young player
to invite friends to play, and to develop
peer relationships through a shared
interest in chess.
FOLLOW TIPS FROM THE
PROS
For those unfamiliar with the game,
keeping tabs on elite players who have
perfected it not only gives kids insight
on high-level strategy, it off ers inspirational
role models.
"One of the most important things
for a young player to remember is
that chess isn't just about planning
your own openings and moves," said
grandmaster Fabiano Caruana, who
is currently the No. 1 U.S. player and
the first American to challenge for
an undisputed World Chess Championship
since 1972. "You also have
to be conscious of your opponents
and their vantage point on the
game. That awareness of others is
actually a lesson that applies to life
in general."
JOIN A CHESS CLUB
Interaction with players of all
levels is not only a fun way to build
relationships with those who share a
love of chess, it's a great opportunity
to meet fellow players who are eager to
trade tips or simply pull up a chair and
enjoy a game. Many clubs off er other
resources, as well. For example, the
Saint Louis Chess Club hosts dozens
of international, national and open
tournaments, in addition to weekly
classes and lectures. Learn more at
saintlouischessclub.org.
"Introducing a child to chess is a true
gift ," Caruana said. "There are so many
advantages, from cognitive to social
to even fi nancial rewards for students
who embrace the game and excel."
Courtesy Family Features
“A Taste of Glendale and Queens”
RESTAURANT SHOWCASE DINNER
SATURDAY,
SEPTEMBER 22ND
Sacred Heart’s Bistro
(School Auditorium)
6-8 PM
Experience and taste
specialty dishes featured
by many of our
great restaurants
Adult Tickets: $25 ($30 @ the door)
Children (1st-8th Grade): $10
* Signature dishes, beverages and dessert included
For Tickets Call:
Mario Mitarotonda (718) 440-5534 • Stacie Kruk (646) 256-3847
Kerrie Hansen (718) 809-5281
Sponsored By: Sacred Heart Glendale Educational Foundation