As they look to build community and strengthen peer relationships, members of the Queens Chess Club are trying to unite players of all skill levels and help teach new members how to play chess.
According to advisor Allison McGovern, more advanced members spend meetings teaching newer members how to “play a little chess.”
“Oftentimes, [the club is] a lot of new chess players that are learning,” McGovern said.
McGovern believes the combination of new and experienced players allows new players to learn without the pressure of competition.
“Usually, the more advanced players don’t necessarily play to win, but play to instruct,” McGovern said.
More experienced players help advise newer players about different moves and strategies during the match to “kind of encourage just the overall fun experience,” McGovern said.
For sophomore Ben Reed, “the community is really good,” due to the connections made while playing and instructing others in the club.
“I have been a member for a while now, and I’ve helped a lot of newer members,” Reed said.
For Reed, the club serves not only as a forum to play chess, but also as a way to spend time with friends.
“There have been a few times where I’ve invited some of my friends to play a round or two with us,” Reed said.
“It is definitely a social club, so students encourage their friends to swing by,” McGovern said.
While playing chess during the meetings, Reed has built connections and new friendships, as well.
“I’ve become good friends with a lot of people in the club and spend a lot of time with them outside of the club as well,” Reed said. “I enjoy spending time with everyone.”
According to McGovern, the club is looking to expand further than the occasional Red Zone meeting.
“I’m speaking with my student leaders, but I’m thinking that to get a little bit more exposure for more students to join the club, maybe we will try an event,” McGovern said.