CHESS ANYONE?

The Reader will be featuring a Chess Column in each publication that will feature chess puzzles and diagrams. Our guest columnist will be Michael Ciamarra, a local Chess Master, who has coached international chess players of all ages. His love for the game is evident in the enthusiasm which he projects when discussing this game. "Chess is a lifetime of fun and challenge. It builds personal skills and is a thrilling sport, game and art- all rolled into one!"

  • Emmet O’Neal Library (Mtn. Brook). Monthly Chess Club held first Thursday of each month, 3:30-4:30 p.m. This particular club is for children, grades four-six. Call Emmet O’Neal Library, (205) 445-1101, for more information.
  • Five Points West (BPL Branch) –Thursday, March 2, 9, and 30, 4-6 p.m.
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    Four tips to becoming an accomplished chess player:

    1. Play every game until checkmate. This allows your mind to absorb how the pieces move and work together.
    2. Learn chess notation. This can be learned in less than three minutes, and writing down your own games will give you the best experience.
    3. Play as often as you can. No matter what the result - play, play, play!
    4. Study a chess puzzle like the one in this column or read chess books. Play and study and you’re on your way to becoming an accomplished chess player.

    Ciamarra participates in many classes and tournaments around the city held in schools, town recreation centers and libraries. He currently presides over the monthly Chess Club for youth at the Emmet O’Neal Library. Last summer the library featured a summer Chess Club that incorporated adults, as well as children, with great success. Ciamarra is very interested in furthering chess in the community and would be happy to speak with anyone interested in starting a club in their area. Meanwhile, visit this column in each issue of the Reader and benefit from a Chess Master’s many years of wisdom.