Club introduces chess to preteens
by Sean Ruppert, Staff Writer
Though a little more complicated than the average children’s game, the South Brunswick Public Library is teaching kids to play chess before they even reach an age in the double-digits.
The library is running a six-week chess club program called Young Knight, aimed at second- and third-graders. The kids are given instruction on the rules of the game as well as some basic strategy, and given time to practice by playing amongst themselves.
The program began Nov. 19 and will run through Dec. 17.
Library assistant Matt Kirschner, who instructs the children on the game, says that learning chess teaches the kids more then just how to play a game.
”They learn to play together, good sportsmanship and good manners,” Mr. Kirschner said. “In time chess can also teach them strategy, how to look two steps ahead. They can use this in sports and in life, when it comes to setting priorities with homework and other things.”
The library meeting room where the kids play may not look like your typical chess game, and it certainly doesn’t sounds like it. The chatter and laughter of the children as they play rises and falls, but mostly stays within a reasonable level, Mr. Kirschner says.
”There are outbursts from time to time, but they quickly calm down,” he said. “The kids are generally very attentive, they want to learn.”
The children make their moves on cloth boards, using white and black plastic chess pieces. Mr. Kirschner begins the program by teaching the kids the names of the pieces and how they move. His lesson continues on to attacking and how to achieve the ultimate goal of the game, checkmate.
Many of the parents say their kids are enthusiastic about the game, and asked to be brought to the program.
”We usually come to the library every week, when she saw the flier she said she wanted to go,” Sumedha Malhotra said about her 7-year-old daughter, Anisha.
”Forcing doesn’t help, you have to bring them if they want to do it. She is learning, she has been to two classes and now she knows all the names of the pieces,” Ms. Malhotra added.
Parents who would like their kids to attend the program can bring them to Meeting Room A/B of the library at 4:30 p.m. on Mondays. There are no fees or registration required.

