Chess Club Guidelines
1. Follow school rules at all times ! ( BE RESPECTFUL toward teachers, students, parents, and others)
2. When chess club is called to order,
- STOP TALKING ( immediately!)
- MAKE EYE CONTACT with your chess coach
- FOCUS ( prepare your mind to receive instruction)
- LISTEN ( “Can you hear me now? ” )
- LEARN ! ( Ask questions,share insights, and get involved ! )
3. Be a good sport at all times !
(ex. on the playground , during chess club, at a chess tournament, etc.)
- Shake hands before each game, introduce yourself, and learn your opponent’s name !
- When given the option, CHOOSE FOR COLORS ! ( place one pawn of each color in your hands and let your opponent pick )
- If you win, DO NOT BRAG! If you lose, DO NOT SULK !
4. Follow the rules of chess ( for example ) :
1. touch move
2. castling
3. en passant
4. check, checkmate, & stalemate
5. Follow the chess masters’ TIPS to play better :
1. “ If you see a good move, STOP ! Look for a better one !!”
2. Before making your move, ask yourself “ Is there a threat ? ” and “What is my opponent planning ?
3. During the OPENING ( the first 10-15 moves) :
a) Control the Center (especially with a center PAWN )
b) Develop ( wake up your OFFICERS and put them to work )
c) Castle ( to protect your King and activate the Rook )
4. Coordinate your pieces (TEAMWORK) and over-protect them !
5. Examine every check or capture. Search for CHECKMATE !!!!