MIDDLETOWN >> Middletown Chess Club meets on Thursdays in the Middletown Library Community Activities Room from 1 to 5 p.m.
The club is an informal gathering to meet and play casual, unrated games. Typically, games are played with chess clocks to limit the duration of play. This insures that everyone has an opportunity to play several other members during a session. Newcomers without clock experience will be introduced “gently” to the device, a familiar accessory for seasoned players.
Charles Berry, former proprietor of Middletown Books, started the club in his bookstore. He hopes the new location will attract novice players who might benefit from his tutoring skills.
Keith Halonen, a former Rohnert Park Chess Club officer, taught an award-winning six-lesson introductory course to some 1,000 students in Sonoma County schools. He has illustrated for Chess Life magazine, the official publication of the U.S. Chess Federation. Its December cover features one of Halonen”s chess-themed paintings.
Chess first appeared in sixth century India. Its modern rules have been in place since the 16th century and it”s a cultural institution in every country in the world. Chess is a “zero-sum” game. Nothing is hidden like face-down cards and there is no chance involved as with tossing dice. Both players see exactly the same thing, so winning is about how deeply each player comprehends tactical and strategic possibilities.
The Middletown Chess Club is free-of-charge. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Some extra sets are available but participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment.
For more information call 987-2665 or 987-0166.
The Middletown Library is located at 21256 Washington St.
