Chess Anyone?
(L) William plays a game of chess with Nathaniel (R) while Madeline looks on. Photo | PJ Martin
By PJ Martin
Editor
The Herald-News
It is a game of strategy and concentration with a long and varied history. Chess has evolved greatly from its earliest form in India as a game called chaturanga played before the 600s AD.
The modern chess version of today didn’t come into existence until the 1900s. Before that time not even the pieces were standardized.
In May of last year, the Chess Club held its first meeting at the Metcalfe County Public Library. At first, they met a couple of times a week, but then decided upon meeting each Monday from 3 – 5 p.m.
The founder of the group is Nathaniel Gutierrez who explained that he grew up playing chess and had always held a love of the game. When he relocated to Metcalfe County, he thought, “I wanted to do something for the community.”
His idea was to provide a safe and calming activity for the young people to come and socialize. “Everything was about sports and not every young person is an athlete.”
Gutierrez explained that he felt the chess club could offer not only a safe activity, but a recreational time away from the pressures of the day. So far, as many as ten people have participated, but people attend when their schedules allow.
It doesn’t matter if you are a total beginner or a seasoned player everyone is welcome no matter what age. Gutierrez stated that if people were not into chess, but liked checkers, they could bring a board and play. It isn’t about the game as much as the recreation.
For those who worry about the safety of their child after school hours, the library meeting room is a very safe place. After closing, the doors are all locked and only someone inside can let others in.
“It doesn’t matter if you play chess, checkers, or some other game. Just play,” said Gutierrez.
(L) Paul playing a game of Chess with Jace (R). Photo | PJ Martin
