Checkmate!

Members of the newly formed chess club may be calling this out in victory if they’ve had a successful round. The club held its first official meeting after school on Monday, January 6.

The club came about after senior Luke Morsa went to the administration about making an official group.  Marching band director and personal aide Mr. Jason Koenig volunteered to oversee the club and its meeting.

“I started participating in chess tournaments when I was nine, and after seeing Oakcrest’s chess program I really wanted Hammonton to have a chess club.” said Morsa.

Adviser Mr. Jason Koenig was very excited about the new club.

“The chess club is very fun, and gives kids something fun to do after school. Plus it is also very good for the brain,” Koenig said. He also looks forward to see how the club will grow in years to come. He also noted that those who play are fairly competitive.

For some members, chess is a game that they grew up playing.

“My father taught me how to play chess when I was seven, and since then I’ve really enjoyed the game,” said junior MacKenzie Fitchett.

The club hopes to being hosting tournaments in the spring.

Chess has a rich history dating back to Spain in 1475. There are six different pieces in chess the king, queen, knight, bishop, rook, and pawn.