[imagefield_assist|fid=16744|preset=fullsize|lightbox=true|title=GM Varuzhan Akobian is one of the top players in the nation and a perennial U.S. Championship contender.|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=700|height=590]
By Matt Barrett
When we began in the fall, Reed School’s chess class took place in the library and was comprised of a large group of students with varying degrees of chess experience. Since then, the Reed chess club has gained both knowledge and enthusiasm, expanding to a size that the library can no longer accommodate. There are now three separate classes meeting in different classrooms, divided into sections based on level of experience.
The students of Reed School have a burgeoning chess team. This is our second semester teaching at the school, and during this term the three classes are meeting simultaneously on Mondays. Classes house between 12 and 16 students each. In all, 50 students at Reed are learning strategy and tactics and competing against each other at chess, aided by parent volunteers. We’d like to extend special thanks to Katie Ciorba for all her help coordinating and facilitating the classes.
CCSCSL instructor Ed Protzel has the beginners, a class that focuses on the rules of chess and general principles of the game. Our veteran chess teacher Bishop Coleman works with the intermediate class, emphasizing piece mobility, active moves, square control and strategies for development defense and attack. Experienced teacher and player David Koehr has the advanced group, providing careful opening plans, middle-game considerations and transitions to endgame, mixing in various tactical themes.
More than 20 Reed students visited the Chess Club and Scholastic Center on Sunday, March 10, for an exciting lecture with resident Grandmaster Varuzhan Akobian, a tour of the Club and some recreational chess. Students had the opportunity to speak with the grandmaster, interact with him about how he got started learning chess and how he developed as a player, and ask him questions during his game analysis. Var was his usual engaging self, infusing a variety of challenging puzzles with his lighthearted humor and unique flair. He took care to explain the discipline and versatility of thought that chess demands. Reed students left with a reinforced sense of the entertainment value of the game as well as a new sense of respect for its complexity. It was a riveting class and a great afternoon.
Schools interested in scheduling a field trip to the CCSCSL for a lecture, recreational tour of the facility and chess games with classmates should contact Alex Vergilesov, avergilesov@saintlouischessclub.org or Matt Barrett, mbarrett@saintlouischessclub.org.
