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Social Chess

American Chess Magazine: Worth Supporting

American Chess Magazine is a publication worth reading and supporting. In its most recent issue (#46) it published an article I wrote about the Alex Sherzer Memorial Mid-Atlantic Masters, and for the first time I read the entirety of the 82-page glossy. 

Having not played competitive chess in more than 30 years, I found some of the grandmaster analysis beyond me but can appreciate the effort that went into it. The magazine enlists many of the world’s top players to prepare articles and analyze games. The amazing Polgar sisters, Judit, Sofia, and Susan, seem to be regular contributors. Many other well-known names have had by-lines: GM Boris Gulko, GM Wesley So, GM Maurice Ashley, GM Joel Benjamin, GM Alex Fishbein, as well as our local phenom WGM Jennifer Yu.

Most of the articles are written so well that they are accessible to every level of chess-playing reader. The American Chess Magazine receives awards for the high caliber of its journalism every year.

The articles cover all aspects of chess, from current events in America, to tournament results all over the world, to human interest stories and chess history, and, in this most recent issue a special feature of strong female players beating strong male players.

In addition to the best players in the world contributing to the magazine, one of the editors is a high school American girl who impresses both over the board and off. There are great book reviews. The layout is superb. I do not see a weakness in this bi-monthly periodical and believe it offers quite a bit for people interested in chess at any level, although those trying to improve their skills will benefit most.

Chess – a Vital Remedy to the National Epidemic of Loneliness

In 2023, the Surgeon General of the United States warned of the negative health consequences resulting from feelings of isolation, and the benefits of more connected communities. Robert Putnam famously called attention to the problem in Bowling Alone more than 20 years earlier. The problem is not going away, but chess can be a part of the solution.

Among our founding documents, the U.S. Chess Center has argued that chess should be used as a tool to promote social skills. Teachers and psychologists are now sounding alarms as to the importance of having young people meet in person. Engaging another person across the table in a game of chess has long been recognized as a valuable social experience.

Benjamin Franklin, one of many chess players among our nation’s founding fathers, hinted at the valuable diplomatic benefits of the game in his notes. (The Papers of Benjamin Franklin Vol. 21. pp. 363, 408, 437, 444, 550) Challenging others to play chess has served as a gateway for engaging in a variety of social and diplomatic activities.

One of the first programs created by the U.S. Chess Center, our Saturday morning class known as Chess Kids, brought together children of all demographics to play chess together and learn that what they have in common is vastly greater than those things that separate them. The friendships formed over the board created long-lasting bonds.

The Center teaches students only in groups, not individually. Peers compete, encourage, and learn together in healthy ways. Whether or not the students in a class share demographic traits seems to be irrelevant to the formation of friendships. Kids interact with other kids, and that is beneficial to them all.

Playing online does not confer the same benefits. People playing online do not see their opponents, and do not have constructive social interactions at the end of their games.  We regularly see kids engage in other activities, including having non-chess conversations, playing sports or other games, or going out for a meal at the conclusion of a game. Online, players often cannot be certain that they are actually playing a human. While many students use online resources to enhance their skills, playing chess across the board is a different, and better, game than playing through a screen.

At the U.S. Chess Center, we hope that professionals and policy-makers will consider promoting chess as a mental health tool.

Results from the first Bishops+Beers Blitz Tournament, Nov 7th

Nearly every Tuesday over the past year, the U.S. Chess Center has hosted Bishops and Beers at Silver Branch Brewery, an evening event for our grown-up clientele to gather in downtown Silver Spring for some good food, good company, good potations and good chess.

The first week this month, we added a competitive element, with the first Bishops + Beers Blitz Tournament kicking off at 6:30 p.m. on November 7. Our instructor Riley Dosh was on hand to make up the pairings, tally the results, and generally help facilitate the fun.

The tournament was well-attended with 16 total players, and the excitement also hooked in a few spectators. Don McLean (pictured below, right) won convincingly with 7.5/9, Christian (pictured middle) came in second place with 6/9, and Jason (pictured left) came in third, losing on tiebreaks to Christian.

Given the general success of the tournament, we’re looking into running more blitz events at future Bishops & Beers outings. If you haven’t come to downtown Silver Spring on Tuesday night (and you’re at least 21), come join the fun!

Bishops & Beers Is Now Every Tuesday

Even with the inclement weather in Silver Spring, Bishops & Beers still brought out chess enthusiasts on Tuesday night.  Players turned up to Silver Branch Brewery for some good drinks, good food and good games of chess.

Moving forward, our meetings at the brewery will be a weekly occasion, beginning at 6 p.m. every Tuesday.  The next event will be the evening of June 19.  Whether you’re a seasoned tournament player or still learning the ropes, we hope you’ll come join us (as long as you’re over 21).  Our Meetup group has more information about Bishops & Beers and our other regular activities open to the public. 

Pictures from Bishops & Beers on Tuesday Night

Bishops and Beers kicked off Tuesday, June 7 at Silver Branch Brewery in Silver Spring. A wide range of players, from novices to experts, showed up to socialize and play. 

Silver Branch provided a great atmosphere to meet up with old friends and make new ones over the board, and we’re already looking forward to the next event.  To stay abreast of future meetings and see more of the photos from Tuesday night, you can join our Meetup group.

Come Play Chess at Silver Branch Brewing Company on June 7

The Chess Center invites all of our grown-up patrons (over 21 years of age) to join us the first Tuesday of each month for Bishops and Beers at Silver Branch Brewing Company.  

Starting June 7, participants will be able to come out and play chess while enjoying the beverage offerings at one of Silver Spring’s finest local production breweries.  One of our certified U.S. Chess Center instructors will be hosting proceedings.  Board, sets, and some clocks for those who wish to play rapid and blitz games will all be provided.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned master, you’re welcome to come play with us.

Registration is available here: https://chessctr.org/play/bishops-and-beers/.