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SHERIDAN – Supporters at a local chess club are preparing to recruit players after taking nearly a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Sheridan Chess Club is registering players aged 10 and over until November 4, with people eligible to register with the Sheridan County YMCA or KidsLife, a non-profit Christian youth organization.
Dan Casey, one of the organizers of the local club established in 2011, said that before the outbreak of COVID-19, the group had up to 150 players. He hopes those numbers will come back, as the club plans to get together to play KidsLife from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on six Thursdays, from Oct.7 to Nov.11.
“Right now we’re just trying to start over,” Casey said. “We’re just trying to get things back on track.
“Just introduce yourself,” he added. “It’s just a lot of fun.”
Prospective players should have a basic knowledge of chess pieces, basic movements and be able to play independently. There is no charge to participate.
“We’ll provide the chess boards, the tables and everything,” Casey said. “We will even have refreshments.”
The club associates players of similar levels.
“This is the right thing. You pair up with someone at your level (of skill), ”Casey said. “We have people who just came in and want to play chess. We have people who will help them, and they will get better and better.
“Children are the ones to watch out for. They are good, ”he added. “Some children can beat adults. Age doesn’t really seem to matter.
The Sheridan Chess Club is a member of the Wyoming Chess Club and Casey said he hopes the club will join the American Chess Federation, which will allow the local group to host future tournaments, including online events.
“The online part of things added a whole new dimension,” he said. “The great thing about chess is that no matter where you are, you can play. Much of it is done online now.
Sheridan resident Brian Kuehl said he knows firsthand how much fun the chess club is joining, as well as the social and competitive opportunities.
Kuehl said he joined the club after entering the YMCA one day.
“There were a few guys there playing,” he said. “I had played when I was a kid, nothing fancy.”
Before he knew it, Kuehl was playing – and winning – chess tournaments.
“My wife and kids will tell you it’s become an obsession,” Kuehl said with a laugh. “I’m having fun with this.”
“Chess is a pool where there is no bottom,” he added. “You can dive as deep into the pool as you like.”
Kuehl said people who are interested in the game and enjoy participating should consider attending the Thursday rallies this fall.
“Come have fun. Come and learn the game, ”he said. “It’s something you can have fun with for the rest of your life. It is a skill that you can take with you.
Casey said the club will take a short break after the last session on November 11.
“We’re going to be closing for the holidays,” Casey said. “Then we will come back in January.
For more details or to register, call 307-674-7488 or 307-760-0133.
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