New London Chess Club plans first tournament
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London chess player Daryl Skinner hopes his strategy to establish a resource for fellow chess aficionados will draw like-minded players to a club and tournament he is creating.
The first annual unrated London Chess Tournament will take place on Oct. 13, National Chess Day, at the London Coffee Peddler, 65-B W. High St. Registration begins at 9 a.m.; the first of four chess rounds starts at 9:45. There is no time delay and participants are asked to bring their own sets and clocks.
Advanced player and beginner sections are available for a $5 entry fee, payable at the door. Cash prizes based on entries for the advanced player section will be awarded and beginners can compete for first- and second-place trophies.
“There are no chess clubs in town,” said Skinner, who started the club in March. “I’ve been going to Columbus and Dayton for tournaments and wanted to see if there was any interest in London.”
Club members meet informally at the coffeehouse twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to engage in matches of strategy and skill.
“You can drink your coffee and play a game of chess,” Skinner said, “and everyone is welcome, from beginners to more advanced players. If you don’t know chess and want to learn, we can teach you. I bring extra sets, so don’t worry if you don’t have your own set.”
Skinner’s interest in chess began at an early age when his father taught him how to play. In third grade, he was competing at the state level against other third-graders and finished in third place.
“I think of chess more as a mental sport. I enjoy the strategy and tactics involved in playing it,” said Skinner. “The game exercises your mind and I want to bring an alternative to people who are looking for something to do. You don’t have to run or jump to play chess and you don’t have to worry about retiring from a physically demanding sport. It’s a good activity for any age.”
For information about the London Chess Club or tournament, contact Skinner at (740) 506-2520.