The new Sunday Chess program welcomes anyone in grades 7 - 12 for afternoons of practice, lessons and competition. In addition, younger players with national ratings over 1400 are welcome, too. David Mehler, one of the three certified Professional Chess Coaches in the United States, and several of his Master and Grandmaster friends, will lead the program.

All levels of players are welcome. Our teachers provide instruction to beginners and help improve the strategy of local experts.

This year, arrangements for international competitions are being made. Students will play with their peers from other countries, either in person or over the Internet. We have played teams from Norway and Montengro this academic year and we will arrange for rematches with both. Other international possibilities include Belize, Azerbaijan, China, Iceland, Russia and Switzerland. We are looking into taking a chess-playing trip to Europe at the end of the school year.

Lessons will be challenging for all players. Students will be separated by ability for small group and individual instruction and will play together in a large group for some of the afternoon.

Mr. Mehler will lead groups of students to the National High School Championships in April and to the National Elementary School Championships in May.