The U’s chess team maneuvered their way to glory on Sept. 21 in the Utah Team Chess Championship for the first time since 2007.
Wes Gross and advisor Robert Williams resurrected the U Chess Club in 2003. The team placed second in the tournamet in 2008.
While the tournament win is something the whole team is proud of, team leaders said there is still a need for more active members in the ranks. There are many misconceptions about what it is to be a competitive chess player.
Bryan Leano, a junior in philosophy and fifth-ranked chess player in the state, said that the Chess Club has inspired him to become a stronger player.
“A casual player makes more mistakes in the middle and end-game. A tournament player can spot tactics and nuances and steer to the end-game [in a manner that produces a win],” Leano said.
Williams, a chess enthusiast, and advisor to the U club said that school is about more than competing for a good grade.
“The benefits of the chess club [are] socializing, networking and even finding employment in an open and dynamic setting,” Williams said.
He feels that students should be more active when it comes to clubs and organizations because they offer experiences that you cannot get from simply attending a lecture or lab, such as getting to know your fellow Utes on a deeper level.
The U’s chess team fields players from India, Peru, Bolivia, Ukraine and other places, as well as players from Utah. Players do not need to be U students to join. Membership is free and the team accepts players of all skill levels — from novice to grandmaster.
“It is critical that the club has the support of the chess community”, Williams said.
The club meets in the Union Den on Thursdays at 6 p.m.