Product Details
Rooks of the Board (Advanced)
Overview: This group class assumes advanced knowledge of chess. Players should already know how to read and write algebraic annotation, basic tactics such as forks/pins/skewers/attraction/checkmate patterns, and terminology such as en passant and zugzwang. Players are encouraged to participate in local or regional USCF rated chess tournaments and actively pursue chess proficiency outside of club meetings via a combination of tactics workbooks, chess literature reading, and online resources. Players should be familiar with the concepts introduced in the Step 2 workbooks, or have equivalent proficiency.
Suggested age range: 3rd grade to 9th grade, although younger players may be considered after an assessment.
Meeting times: 4 Saturdays a month from 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM.
Suggested US Chess rating (regular) 500 - 900
Fees:
- Program fees are $80/monthly per player, assuming 4 Saturdays a month.
Instructor(s): NM Gary Shure
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.
Curriculum:
- This class had been working through endgame patterns from Silman's Complete Endgame Course, from basic pawn endgames to minor piece endgames. Future discussions will focus on other advanced topics
Addendum:
- For families who will be missing 2+ club meetings in a month (not just one) and send 2 days advance notice to hello[at]wayoftheboard.org, fees will be refunded on a prorated basis ($40 for 2 Saturdays, $60 for 3 Saturdays, $80 for 4 Saturdays). Note that fees are not refunded for single day absences.
- When the instructor is not able to hold a class due to illness, a family schedule conflict, public holidays, etc., fees will be prorated accordingly.
- Club membership can be discontinued at any time by sending an email to hello@wayoftheboard.org, and a prorated refund for that month will be issued accordingly.
- To encourage tournament participation, parents who send a photo of their scholastic player at the tournament to hello[at]wayoftheboard.org with permission to post to club Facebook page will be refunded the $20 club fee if event time overlaps with the Saturday morning class.