Sponsor Spencer Sones competes against students in chess club during an Arena Tournament. Students bested Sones three out of six matches.
Every Wednesday, up to 40 students and staff members participate in the OHS Chess Club. Started in the fall of 2020, the club's goal is to provide a fun activity for students to learn and improve their chess skills while making new friends. All ability levels are included.
The club is at great activity for very little cost, according to club sponsor, Sam Garchik. Club costs include an annual subscription of $30. Since most matches are played virtually, it was also a great activity during the pandemic.
The club uses chess.com for virtual play. Players are able to customize their board, chess pieces, etc. Matches can be randomly assigned through the app or assigned. This allows the club to compete against other schools or with players virtually anywhere or any age. Players can also be matched based on how they are ranked, using a scale of 600 for beginner to 3500 for master level.
On Wednesday, approximately 25 students, along with sponsors Garchik and Spencer Sones, participated in an Arena Tournament. Each player had three minutes to complete their turns during a match. Most players were able to complete 5-6 matches in 30 minutes. The club's top player, Austin Souravong, won five out of five matches while sponsor Spencer Sones won half of his six matches played. Garchik noted that the older players are not necessarily the best players.
Sophomore Austin Souravong is a charter member of the club. Self-taught, he has played chess for two years. The club's top player, he has a rank score of 1350. As a freshman, he found himself with a lot of free time to focus on learning the game. He enjoys the element of uncertainty chess provides. "You don't know what will happen each time," he said. Working part-time at McDonalds has reduced the amount of free time he has but he still manages to play a daily game. "I always have the game in the back of my mind."
Games can be played over days, weeks, or even months. Souravong is currently playing Johnston High School's top player in a match started in November. With only one required move per day and an average of 40 moves per game, matches can stretch over extended periods of time.
Freshman Charlie Hernandez remembers his first match with his grandpa at age five or six. "I've been interested in the game ever since," he said. The club's number two player plays chess daily. He likes having the club at OHS. "It gives me somewhere to play chess." He also uses the app to play matches against other players outside of school or even Ottumwa. "My favorite part of the game is the challenge of it," he said. "It makes you think a lot."
Members of the OHS Chess Club compete in an Arena Tournament.
Students can compete using a laptop or phone.
