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Elmwood Park Students Take To Chess Club

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. — Chess experts and beginners alike meet at Elmwood Park High School at least once a week to hone their skills.

Elmwood Park freshman James Piereschi, at left, and senior Matt Tester play chess at the high school's club meeting.

Elmwood Park freshman James Piereschi, at left, and senior Matt Tester play chess at the high school's club meeting.

Photo Credit: Joshua Jongsma

The chess club formed this year and advisor Scott Allen said it's gone great so far.

"I've got students that are already avid players and they love the competition," Allen told Daily Voice. "I have had students who have no idea how to play and they've learned. It's overall fun and they love it."

Around 10 students usually come to a meeting, Allen said. Earlier in the school year they spent more time teaching basic skills but now they can come in and play the whole time, he said.

Allen said his father taught him chess when he was younger and played with his brothers a lot. The advisor considers himself a good player, an eight on a 10-point scale he said, but he has students who far surpass him.

Freshman Ted Patel said he thinks he's a good chess player and enjoys the club.

"I think it's probably one of my favorite clubs in the school so far," Patel said. "It's a very intellectual sport."

Allen said the club is a great way to practice that intellectual talent.

"This club lets you play numerous people," he said. "The more people you play, the more strategies you're pitted against."

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