ANDERSON, Ind. —
After seeking out a chess club for his son and finding none, Michael Bradley decided to begin the Anderson Chess Club. Meeting at the library once a week, he is providing an opportunity for school-aged children of all skill levels to square off and match wits.
“I think chess is a great game because it teaches you to think critically and to see moves further down the road,” said the home-schooling father. “It is strategic and takes a lot of concentration.”
Bradley’s 13-year-old son, Nicholas, has been playing the game for several years and wanted to mentally compete with others his own age.
“Chess is fun,” he said. “It helps with logic skills.”
Beginning the club in November 2011, Michael Bradley is still trying to get it off the ground. He has been pleased to see five to 10 people show up at the meetings each week.
“I have done everything in my power to make this popular,” Bradley said. “More and more kids are becoming interested.”
Some of the members are home-schooled, two attend Anderson Preparatory Academy and two attend Anderson Christian School. Thinking this is a pretty good mix of students, Bradley is still hoping to attract more from a variety of backgrounds.
Some already know the basics of the game before they come to a meeting and some don’t even know how to move the pieces properly. Bradley has taught four children to play already.
“I started playing a couple of years ago,” said Larissa Weber, 11.
“I wanted to learn how to beat my sister,” said Alana Weber, 14. “And I have beat her a couple of times.”
“I started coming to the meetings because I wanted to learn how to play the game,” said Jordan Bostic, 14.
Bradley pointed out that studies show playing the game of chess improves test scores, teaches students to concentrate harder and develops focus. Also the club is a way for young people to occupy their time constructively.
“I have a few goals for the group,” he said. “I want the kids to learn and get better at playing. And hopefully some day we will have tournaments and play against other school districts.”
If you go
What: Anderson Chess Club
Who: School-age students of all skill levels
When: Wednesdays from 2:30-5 p.m.
Where: Anderson Public Library, usually in the Redbud Room on third floor
Cost: None
Local Education
Related Photos
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Larissa Weber, 11, plays chess against Jordan Bostic, 14, in the foreground while Alana Weber, 14, and Nicholas Bradley, 13, plan their game strategies in the background. Emma Bowen Meyer
Discussion
Getting Together: Parent starts chess club for son, other students
Bradley: Game encourages critical thinking
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Academic Accolades: May 27
