Chess is coming to Albert Lea!

By Jeshua Erickson

Published Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Chess is coming to Albert Lea! Thanks to Albert Lea Area Community Education and ThorneCrest Retirement Community, we're going to have a chess club. Kelly Callahan and I are going to host regular chess playing gatherings each Thursday night at ThorneCrest from 6 to 8pm. Ages 9th grade to adult are welcome.

Visit: www.albertleachess.org

Our first meeting will be on Thursday, September 11 at 6pm.

The youtube video on the left shows two Grandmasters playing speed chess. The description of the video reads, "Two top grandmasters, Maxim Dlugy and Hikaru Nakamura, battle it out in a 1-minute blitz game after the U.S. Championship. IM Ben Finegold comments on the side." "IM" stands for International Master. I would show a regular chess game, but that wouldn't be very interesting, especially for people who aren't all that familiar with the nuances of the game. I don't suspect too many people in Albert Lea play speed chess, but I'll have my chess clock there on Thursday nights in case the opportunity should arise.

Our Albert Lea Chess Club will be an informal gathering of people who like to play chess or who would like to learn how to play chess. Kelly and I will be available to give people lessons on how to play. Kelly played chess in college so if we have folks who REALLY want to get good, he can help them take their chess playing to the next level. Boards and sets will be provided but if you want to bring your own, please do.

Chess is an amazing game that sharpens problem solving skills and improves memory. People learn to lose and win graciously. They discover their blind spots and uncover their weaknesses and strengths. Please join us for the first meeting on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at ThorneCrest. There is no cost. Just show up and play chess!