Quarter(s): 2

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 4

Two armies. One battlefield. Infinite possibilities. Across a checkered board, two mighty monarchies prepare for battle. In this legendary clash of kings and queens, which side will triumph in a test of wit, patience, perseverance, and strategy? Students will explore the logic and thrill of the timeless game of chess under the expert guidance of an International Chess Master. Whether you're a budding tactician or a curious beginner, prepare to sharpen your mind and rise to the challenge. In Beginning Chess, students will use the Foundation Level curriculum developed by Grandmaster Babaev for his GMChessPrep program. During Quarter 2, the goal is to increase understanding of how all chess pieces move and learn the core structure of gameplay. Students will meet the knights, bishops, rooks and the queen, learning the movements and rules for each. The class will also learn some special moves such as castling, pawn promotion, and en passant. Their in-class mini games will practice king vs. king and pawn strategies; knight-capture games, and 4X4 and 6X6 training exercises. Learning and playing chess promote problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self-esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent part on instruction and part on playing time in practice matches with classmates while the instructor gives tips and reminders. Compass chess students will be given access to GMChessPrep's online portal for virtual chess practice opportunities between classes. Also, students who are absent can request a make-up session during a regularly scheduled GMC online evening group class.

Quarter(s): 2

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 4

Two armies. One battlefield. Infinite possibilities. Across a checkered board, two mighty monarchies prepare for battle. In this legendary clash of kings and queens, which side will triumph in a test of wit, patience, perseverance, and strategy? Students will explore the logic and thrill of the timeless game of chess under the expert guidance of an International Chess Master. Whether you're a budding tactician or a curious beginner, prepare to sharpen your mind and rise to the challenge. In Advanced Beginning Chess, students will use the Explorers Level curriculum developed by Grandmaster Babaev for his GMChessPrep program. During Quarter 2, the focus will be on opening principles, positional play, and advanced endgames. The class will learn how to start the chess game considering basic piece development, control of the center, castling early and king safety. Students will continue to learn endgame scenarios such as King + Pawn vs. King and promotion techniques, the Passed Pawn, the Rule of the Square, and vertical opposition. Finally, the class will be introduced to mini games with quick mates and traps such as Scholar's Mate, Fool's Mate, and F7 attacks. Learning and playing chess promote problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent part on instruction and part on playing time in practice matches with classmates while the instructor gives tips and reminders. Compass chess students will be given access to GMChessPrep's online portal for virtual chess practice opportunities between classes. Also, students who are absent can request a make-up session during a regularly scheduled GMC online evening group class.

Quarter(s): 2

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 3

Two armies. One battlefield. Infinite possibilities. Across a checkered board, two mighty monarchies prepare for battle. In this legendary clash of kings and queens, which side will triumph in a test of wit, patience, perseverance, and strategy? Students will explore the logic and thrill of the timeless game of chess under the expert guidance of an International Chess Master. Whether you're a budding tactician or a curious beginner, prepare to sharpen your mind and rise to the challenge. In Intermediate Chess, students will use the Strategists Level curriculum developed by Grandmaster Babaev for his GMChessPrep program. During Quarter 2, the focus will be on pawn dynamics, practical endgames, and board control. The group will continue an examination of endgame strategies including: double pawns, triple pawns, passed pawns, and protected-pass pawns. The class will evaluate mating patterns such as Weak Dark Squares, Lolli's Mate, Pawn on 7th, and Queen-Bishop set-up. They will cover basic opening principles like control of the center, piece development, and king safety, and opening names like Italian, Scotch, and brief introduction to Four Knights. Students will work visual examples, play practice positions, learn to identify and evaluate value and weakness through visual examples, and puzzle practice. Learning and playing chess promote problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self-esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent part on instruction and part on playing time in practice matches with classmates while the instructor gives tips and reminders. Compass chess students will be given access to GMChessPrep's online portal for virtual chess practice opportunities between classes. Also, students who are absent can request a make-up session during a regularly scheduled GMC online evening group class.