Chess mates match wits
01/10/2007
Chess mates match wits
Youth Chess Club meets Sunday afternoons downstairs at Horizon Books
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
Swooping a rook down the file, checkmate!
The moves came fast and furious Sunday afternoon as some young chess players battled on the board, pitting their wits against each other as pieces were knocked off and territory changed hands quickly.
The new Youth Chess Club meets weekly downstairs at Horizon Books and is building a following among ages normally associated with electronic pursuits.
"I just like to play for fun, said Coleman Ankerson, 9, a fourth grade student at the Montessori Children's House. "It was hard at first but I sort of got used to it, I'm still learning also.
Pete Meyer founded the club for his son, David, 8, a third grade student at the Montessori Children's House and a buddy of Ankerson's. The Meyers created the club with no membership requirements, inviting chess players of any level to just show up and play. They do request that attendees have a basic grasp of the game, such as the pieces and their movement.
"It's a good game, it gets you thinking, looking ahead, strategy, said Meyer of chess. "Most of them aren't concerned with who wins, they'll play a game and move on to play someone else.
Meyer grew up playing chess and, when his son took an interest in the game recently, he wanted a place for him to play.
"I knew there was a chess club on Wednesday nights here but it's an older crowd and it interferes with David's bedtime, said Meyer of the Traverse City Chess Club, which meets Wednesday evenings at Horizon Books from 6-11 p.m. "So my wife said, 'Why not start our own?'
The numbers of attendees in the Youth Chess Club so far has fluctuated but a recent week turned out ten players while three showed up last Sunday but Meyer believes more will attend as the word gets out.
Artie Dutmers, 6, stopped by Sunday to face off in a few games, accompanied by his grandfather Jim Dutmers. A swashbuckling player who shows little hesitation on his moves, Artie is still mastering the game's strategies so far favoring capturing pieces over staking out territory.
"I play at home with my dad sometimes and with my sister, said Dutmers. "I like being white better, my favorite piece is the king.
Meyer noted that young players tend to play at a faster rate than adults, who may worry more about making a mistake instead of just having fun. Despite eschewing timers for the club, the games rarely drag.
"The interesting thing about kids, too, is that they don't need a clock, he said. "They've got a rhythm and keep it going.
Meyer purchased a dozen chess sets for the club and brings them every week. He also donated a set to his son's classroom and has enjoyed watching the game's popularity soar among the students.
"I guess it's been quite a hit there, there's a sign-up sheet, he said.
Joe Meyer, not related to Pete Meyer, stopped by Sunday afternoon to play a few games and give pointers to players. A regular at Traverse City Chess Club meetings, Meyer has been playing chess his entire life.
"It's a cheap hobby for me, I don't have to spend a lot of money on equipment, he noted.
The Youth Chess Club meets every Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. downstairs at Horizon Books in the Shine Café. Chess sets are provided and all skill levels are welcome, though a basic knowledge of the game is requested. For more information, contact Pete Meyer at 223-4465.