Students huddle around the table, laughter and friendly chatter fill the air as chess pieces glide across sturdy boards. The LHS Chess Club offers a comfortable space for all students, whether they’re experienced players or just starting.
The club is a positive environment for making new friends and playing chess. Students can play competitive chess matches with others or simply have fun playing with friends. Participants can also watch games with other players, or take the time to learn the basics of chess step by step. As time progresses, students can also compete in chess tournaments and earn recognition for their achievements.
“I started a chess club more than 20 years ago because a few students had an interest in playing the game,” said club advisor Mr. Yip. “I am not a teacher of the game and know just a few simple strategies. For a long time, the Chess club was available to students who were looking for a safe place to have fun in a relaxed environment.”
For many years, the Chess Club operated as a way for students to have fun without the pressure of competition. While the main goal of this club is still to relax and emphasize fun, things began to change when junior Muhammed Umar came to LHS and pushed for the LHS to start competing.
“Two years ago, Muhammed Umar wanted the club to do more,” said Yip. “He researched the Interscholastic Chess League and through his insistence and the help of his mother, we started competing against other schools.”
Umar started playing chess at a young age usually with friends and family and over time became more skilled and strategic at the game.
“I first started playing when my dad bought me a chess set, and then my mom taught me how to play,” Umar said. “From that moment, I started to play at least a game a day either online or with a family member. Whenever my friends came over, I would try to play at least one game with them. Over time, I came to appreciate the game even more, and I started to learn different openings and techniques to win the game faster.”
Umar wanted more from the Chess Club and wanted to take a step to the next level so with the help of Mr. Yip and his mother, he successfully gave the club the chance to compete against other schools. The club began competing in a Rhode Island scholastic Chess League against other high schools. LHS placed third in the state two years ago, and last year finished sixth.
This year, in search of trying something new, the Chess Club joined an online tournament that included 85 teams from across the East Coast. They successfully made it to the semifinals during the fall season, and are prepared to compete again in February’s spring season.
Students who may want to join the Chess Club can develop critical thinking skills and positively impact their lives by playing the game.
“To play the game, it requires a person to be patient, focused, and to use their critical thinking so that they can win the game,” said Umar. “Every move requires careful consideration and planning, which mirrors problem-solving in real life. By playing chess, students can develop skills like strategic thinking, decision-making, and resilience—qualities that can benefit them both academically and personally.”
Sophomore, Tanvi Bobbili, another member of the Chess Club, added, “Chess Club is fun and interesting and is a good place to spend time after school because you can play with your friends and beat people. There’s also a lot of beginners and all different types of levels.”
Students looking for a place to unwind with friends or dive into intellectually stimulating competitions may find that environment in the Chess Club which remains a welcoming space to learn, grow, and have fun.
