For the first time in a few years, McNeil will have a chess club, starting this week.
Sophomore Joel Teal initiated the return of the Chess Club by discussing it with the former sponsor, physics teacher Al Balmer.
“I have been playing chess against the computer for so long that I can predict what move it’s going to make next,” Teal said. “That’s why I want to start a club so that I can play against real people.”
Chess is a good way to practice strategic thinking and exercise the brain, so a lot of people would benefit from joining. Anyone is welcome to join and it is a fun and social way to practice a useful skill.
Studies have shown that students who play chess have a more advanced level of thinking and tend to pick up faster on math and analytical skills than students who don’t play chess or who have never tried.
“I wanted to start this club because I love playing chess,” Teal said. “I think it would be fun to play with people who share the same love for this hobby as I do.”
Chess club will meet in Balmer’s room B212 on a to be determined date.
