What's the Deal with Chess?


by Matthew Vandergrift

Ever since Delone Catholic began its chess club, it seems that chess has become increasingly popular among students throughout the school. More and more students in the lunchroom and open periods bring out their boards and set up their pieces to do battle. But why the sudden interest?

Senior Michael Larivee, along with Senior Joe Grupenhoff,  began the Chess Club at Delone Catholic. He started playing chess again when he was at a cross country meet and played a few other runners. His rekindled love for the game inspired him to pursue the activity in a structured way at school.

Photo Credit: Hanover Studio
Grupenhoff and a few other interested students approached Mr. John Fournie, the school librarian, and with his help, the club was born. As the moderator, Mr. Fournie  even partakes in chess from time to time. He noted that he loves the growth he sees in students playing Chess during study halls and lunch periods, including students who are not even part of the club; both males and females alike. The club currently has 23 members.

“The students really like the game itself,” noted Mr. Fournie. “Some have studied it very seriously and know different offenses and defenses.”

Though Mr. Fournie is happy that students are interested in the game, he explained that he hopes underclassmen continue playing even after the senior leadership has graduated.

It seems, though, the main reason students are getting in involved in the game is the strategy required.

“One of my favorite parts of chess is the strategy; being able to solve a problem in many ways depending on how you set up your board,” explained Grupenhoff.

Another senior, Conor Kline, generally plays chess in homeroom with fellow senior, Nathan Holt.
“My favorite part about chess is the competiveness of the game and how it relies on a player’s wits if victory wants to be achieved,” noted Kline.

Mr. Fournie reiterated Kline’s view, and added, “The game is an action-reaction game where you can approach a problem anyway you want.”

Chess is becoming so popular that students can be seen carrying a chess board with them in order to be ready to challenge an opponent whenever the opportunity arises. Most students don’t see a downside to chess, only the fact they don’t like to get outsmarted or make a mistake that will cost them a win.

The Chess Club has brought a new type of healthy competition to the school and continues to build relationships among players.

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