Expert: Wuyanbu Zutali - 9/6/2006

Question
I am starting a chess club for a local school.  I am looking for software that will allow me to move pieces on both sides.   I would like to use it for stepping through opennings, viewing postions and moves.   I am not looking for computer playing software but just manually moving the software pieces and viewing the board via my pc in a large group education style.   I would use my laptop and my projector. Do you know of any free or low cost software that would allow me to this?  Also any other tips for starting a club, 1st through 8th grade.  

Answer
Hello Dan,

On your first question, my wife says since you have a projector, you can hook it up to a computer or laptop and project any program you wish. Try contacting the USCF (United States Chess Federation) at uscf.org for details on a low cost software.
Now for my area of expertise:

You don't need to be a chess expert to have a succesful chess club!
Basic knowledge and rules of the game is fine such as how to move the pieces, what is checkmate. If you teach them to castle in 8-10 moves, you are ahead of the crowd.

On starting a chess club from 1st to 8th grade, job one is to  keep the younger kids separated from the older ones.  They will learn faster.
To really set a good impression, if the school does not know you, take a police background check in when you meet the principal. Leave with them your name, where you work, address and telephone number. They may offer to remiburse you for the police check.

1) Ask the principal permission to start a club.
2) Tell the school when and where you'll meet.
3) Get school announcements (at least two) to the students.
4) Get permission slips/forms to the parents to OK the student's partication.
5) Get chess sets from home, donated or buy them. chess clocks are not needed in the first few weeks.
6) Find out who knows what and separate beginners from kids that can play.
7) Keep it to one hour at first
8) Each practice go over at least one master game from a book, but let them play most of the class.
9) Aim to play in a chess tournament to learn from better players.
10) Get advice from the coaches and parents you meet at these events
11) Go to ohiochess.org to see Ohio's chess program and learn new stuff for your club. (find tournaments at uscf.org and ohiochess.org)

The USCF will send you free information on building a chess club and all kinds of free stuff....even free chess sets and free USCF membershps.
Local business people will also donate to help you with expenses for traveling to events and the school may offer you a stipend. In time you can get grants to help you if you want to go to the state and national level of tournament play.

Above all, Keep it Simple.

Let me know how things go!