Saturday scholastic and Adult Chess Classes in Ridgefield
Structured classes for scholastic players and adults to learn and play chess. All classes held at the Way of the Sword Fencing club in Ridgefield, CT.
| Pawns | Knights | Rooks | Crowns | |
| Target Level | Beginner. This group class assumes very basic or no prior knowledge of chess. Players learn the rules of the game, and then progress to tactics and more advanced play. The Chess-Steps curriculum is used to teach these young players in a group setting. Sessions begin with working on the assigned workbook, then a group lesson and discussion, and finally casual play. Players are expected to solve at least 2-3 puzzles in their workbooks daily. | Intermediate. This group class assumes players already have familiarity with basic gameplay, rules of chess such as en passant and castling, can read and write notation (ie 1. e4 e5 2. Qh5 Nc6 3. Qxe5+). Players who have completed Step 1 Plus in a prior class or have equivalent familiarity with the game will continue to progress their learning in this class. | Advanced. Players should already know tactics such as forks/ pins/ skewers/ attraction/checkmate patterns, and terminology such as en passant and zugzwang. All three parts of a chess game will be covered; the opening, middle game, and endgame, as well as strategy and tactics. Emphasis is on identifying the possibilities in various positions and how to find the best move. | Competitive . As with the Rooks class, this group assumes advanced knowledge of chess and discusses the same topics, but at a more advanced level. |
| Times (Saturday) | 9:30 AM ~ 10:45 AM | 10:45 AM ~ 12 PM | 12 PM ~ 1:15 PM | 10:30 AM ~ 11:45 AM |
| Instructor(s) | Coach Terry Kim | Coach Terry Kim | NM Gary Shure , Coach Terry Kim | NM Gary Shure |
| Suggested Age/Grade | 2nd grade ~ 6th grade | 2nd grade ~ 8th grade | 2nd grade ~ 9th grade | Adult improvers*, scholastic players K-12. |
| Monthly Fee | $80/month | $80/month | $100/month | $100/month |
| US Chess Rating (Rapid)** | Learning the basics | ~ 400 | 401 ~ 900 | 900+ |
| Registration | Details and Registration | Details and Registration | Details and Registration | Details and Registration |
| Available seats | 8*** | 8*** | 12 | 8 |
* Currently no classes are open for adult beginner or intermediate players.
** US Chess rating is only one of several factors used for class placement. Coach Kim will consult with parents to suggest the best placement for scholastic players.
*** We are actively recruiting for a club assistant to support the Pawns and Knights classes. If the right person is identified, seating may be increased.
Gary Shure (US Chess National Master)
Gary Shure is a US Chess National Master, three-time Connecticut State Chess Champion, and Connecticut Chess Hall of Fame inductee with a peak US Chess rating over 2350. Known for his tactical clarity, strategic depth, and passion for positional play, Gary brings an engaging, practical approach to instruction that helps players refine their calculation and decision-making at the board.
