Tricks and traps

Claremont’s Chess Club prepares its opening gambit

The clock is counting down to 4pm on Tuesday 17th March, when Claremont High School’s Chess Club takes on Ark Academy’s equivalent in the Main Hall at Claremont. Sixteen students from each school, across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, will go head-to-head, or pawn-to-pawn, in this intense hour-long match.

‘This is mainly an opportunity for students to play against new people,’ explains Ms Patel, who runs Claremont’s Chess Club. ‘It will create a sense of teamwork among the pupils from each school. It will also develop their resilience and sportsmanship.’

‘I feel excited and scared,’ admits Chess Club member Andreea Virlan, Year 10, ‘but I’ll do my best.’

Fellow members are similarly optimistic.

‘I’m feeling confident as now I’m used to playing under pressure,’ says Ezra Carstens in Year 8.

‘I’m excited about the match as I can put my chess to the test,’ adds Yathei Wong, also Year 8.

Emilian Mutafchev, Year 8, says simply: ‘I can’t wait!’

So what wider skills does Ms Patel believe students gain from playing the game?

‘Making adjustments based on opponents’ tactics and learning to think several moves ahead develops the ability to manage complex tasks and teaches you to think before you act,’ she says. ‘It also helps with memory and concentration.’ 

‘I enjoy playing against my friends and new people,’ explains Andreea, ‘it helps me improve my skills and think more strategically.’

‘I’ve learnt to be patient and think about my next move before making it,’ says Yathei. ‘Chess Club has taught me to problem-solve as chess is very much a game of tricks and traps.’

‘Chess has definitely taught me to play under pressure and build resilience,’ adds Ezra.

Emilian agrees that a fighting spirit is what’s needed: ‘Never give up until the very end, because anything could happen.’

The timer has been set and 17th March approaches…