Wrap It Up: Concluding a Chess Club Opinion

Make Room for Chess

1Every Friday during indoor recess, a few students in Room 14 pull an old chess set off the shelf. Within minutes, a small crowd gathers around the board, and everyone wants a turn. Because so many students are curious about the game, I believe our school should start an after-school chess club. A chess club would teach students to think ahead, help them make new friends, and show them how to stay calm when they make mistakes.

2First, chess teaches players to think ahead. Each kind of piece moves in its own way. A bishop slides along diagonal lines, while a knight jumps in the shape of an L. Before every move, a careful player asks, "If I move here, what will my opponent do next?" Planning several moves ahead takes practice, and the same kind of planning can help with schoolwork, such as solving a hard math problem one step at a time.

3Second, a chess club would help students make new friends. A game needs only two players and one board, so it is easy to pair up with someone new. Players of different ages can face each other, and a fifth grader might learn a clever trick from a third grader. After a game, talking about the best moves is a natural way to start a conversation with someone you just met. Over many games, those new partners can become good friends.

4Finally, chess teaches players how to handle mistakes. Even skilled players sometimes lose a piece by accident. Once a move is made, it usually cannot be taken back, so players must stay calm and look for a new plan. Many players also shake hands at the end of a game, whether they win or lose. A mistake in one game often becomes a lesson for the next. Learning to lose politely is a skill that helps on the soccer field, in the classroom, and at home.