Chess Club is impacting its members in the game and in life.
Artwork by Mia Nogueira
In January of 2010 Nickolas Tussing became TJ Chess Club’s new faculty sponsor, reviving the club. “That’s when I started teaching here [at TJ], and found out no one was doing it. I thought it’d be a fun thing to take on,” said Tussing.
The club, of about fifteen people, meets twice per week in Tussing’s room, 128. On every Monday and Friday during the lunch period, students come to enjoy their food and compete against others for fun. The club is informal and student-run. Tussing’s role in the club is to help inform players of the rules of the game, teach students how to play, and to give players advice. In the event of odd numbers, Tussing says, “I’m always there as an extra player.”
Members of the club say they joined Chess Club for the fun of playing the game, to get better, and to enjoy a relaxing lunch break. “I like just getting a break in the day to do something fun, like playing chess,” said Freshman Troy Fangmeier.
The club aspires to be competitive, have fun, and promote the enjoyment of the game. The students involved say they enjoy challenging themselves and getting better at chess. “I advise everyone to come and play. It’s an extremely fun game,” says Club Member Mohamed Alabasi.
Through running the club, Tussing hopes to pass on to the club’s members that chess is a great way to challenge one’s mind, be competitive, and have fun. “Participating in something that’s analytical, like chess, builds problem solving skills. It’s good to have something like chess to exercise your brain,” says Tussing.
Club Member Tra Holcond thinks Tussing, as well as Chess Club, is doing just that; challenging his brain and building problem solving skills for the future. Holcond says, “Chess helps make the brain smarter. I enjoy playing.”
Tussing says he enjoys running the club, getting to know the students, and playing. He has a true passion for chess and loves to share it with others. “It’s fun to watch kids have fun and be competitive in something like chess,” said Tussing.
To join TJ’s Chess Club no experience is necessary. Tussing says all students are free to drop by, hang out, and play. Tussing encourages newcomers as well, “It’s a fun atmosphere. Anyone is welcome, no matter how good they are.”
“If you like to play at all, you should join,” said Fangmeier.
