Kids learn how to get checkmate
By Nora Cardec

James Webster, 10, who has been playing the game for three years, tries his skills against Dennis Haughton, 7, who started playing at the library a year ago. Next to them are long time players Don Kim, 10, and Luke Webster, 17.

Protect your king at all costs.

It is the simple objective of the game of chess that isn't so simple after all.

And for those under 18 years old the program at Forbush Memorial Library becomes a place to learn the rules, the game and to have fun.

There are no clocks, no coaches, no scores but the players are enthralled in the game nevertheless.

"I just like playing it," said Don Kim, who joined the club three years ago.

Tables are set up with chess sets and children ages six-years-old and older take turns playing the game paradise every Monday afternoon.

Luke Webster, 17, is playing for his last year in the club, said the club is good because it gives people a time to learn and enjoy the game.

"It's good for thinking. It expands your thinking skills," he said.

Webster is the current leader of the club but soon, he said, will pass his title to someone else when he goes to college.

The club has 11 members but Webster said there is room for 10 more players.

The club started some three or four years ago, said Gerri M. Manning, the new children's librarian.

Participation is very informal. There are no fees and no requirements only the love of chess.

"It's not an organized club; it's just a drop-in program," said Lisa Erickson, librarian assistant. "We keep an eye on it, but the kids really teach the newcomers and kids catch on quickly."

Marion Knoll likes to see her children play chess. She has been taking her children - Daniel, Christopher and Marissa - to the club for some time.

"It's nice - they play at home too but - here they find other kids to play with. They learn to play with peers their same age," Knoll said, while waiting for the games to be over.

Most of the players said they learned to play chess with their siblings, fathers or friends. Sidney Haughton and Eunjeon Shin, mothers of Dennis Haughton and Don Kim respectively, said they like their children attending the chess club.

The mothers said the club has helped their sons refine their skills and reach a higher level on the game.

"I think it's good for strategic skills," said Haughton.

According to Manning, the library is the perfect place to hold such club because the children and their parents feel comfortable there.

"Parents and kids are enthusiastic about the chess club," she said.

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Nora Cardec is a correspondent for The Community Journal and can be reached at: ncardec@yahoo.com or (978) 827-3386. Ext. 10.