The Fundamentals Of Starting and Running A Chess Club

Across the globe, more and more schools are seeing chess as a tool for augmenting children’s cognitive abilities. The clamor for chess clubs has risen considerably, along with one primary concern: how do you begin?

To start with, there are six fundamentals to setting up the club: (1) Club Founders (2) Players and the needs of the Players (3) Site Headquarters (4) Equipment for the Game (5) Training and (6) Plenty of Energy. 

The founding body needs to be composed of systematic and patient individuals who can direct the club. The founders should remember to keep a consistent and level-headed approach. Of central concern should be the playing team’s advancement.

Needless to say, to be called a club, players are needed as well. A marketing strategy that always works is to encourage membership by giving existing players solid recognition and adequate publicity about their matches. The intentions of the club and all the benefits associated should be underlined. There is always a need for donations of equipment and time from parents, and the organizing team should be unhesitant to ask for them. Still confused on how to reveal to the public your call for membership? Try saying that chess is a fantastic way to socialize and get smart!

The value of designating the club’s headquarters is something the founders should not overlook. Come to think of it, all clubs need a place to meet. There are several to choose from. You should be able to secure ample space in one of the classrooms, at a local community hub, at home or at a commercial business centre. You needn’t spend extra to make the site functional. A well-lit space equipped with tables and chairs that can accommodate all members comfortably should be quite adequate already.

The game equipment is something you can easily acquire. Get complete chess sets, but if you can get clocks too, so much the better. Can you imagine members huddling over a chess set, because they need to take turns and wait for the match to finish? The sight is such a turnoff! What a test of patience! Let the club arrange the equipment prior to any matches. Also, timed chess games help maintain the game by the hour. It is not necessary to have exotic chess equipment; simple but functional equipment will be enough. 

The fifth piece block, Teaching, is about spreading the knowledge. However, the entertainment value chess offers should not be neglected. Severe chess trainings and matches could very well discourage members from pursuing the game. Find the sweet spot between diligence and recreation. Remember, hard work is the stepping stone to success, and yet, all work and no play made Jack a dull boy!

Finally, the last, nevertheless the most important factor: Enthusiasm. You’ll be needing lots of energy in goal setting. The founders and the regular members may have varied aims. A pragmatic target such as joining a local tournament on a future date motivates the players to set personal goals.

Organizing a chess club is not as simple as on paper and it will certainly take your time and energy to form it. However, the success of your club is well worth all the club’s diligence.