Checkers Tournament and Social Club!

In this weekly, ongoing class, students will gather for an hour of friendly competition playing checkers (or draughts), each week declaring a new tournament winner!

At the beginning of each class, students will watch their teacher play against (and usually be beaten by) an advanced computer, and we will briefly discuss interesting strategies that the computer, and perhaps even the teacher, used. Then, students will be divided into twos, and take turns playing (and observing) 10-minute game sessions on a digital game board. During each 10-minute session, two students will play as many games as possible. At the end of each game within the session, students will count how many pieces they have remaining on the board. At the end of class, the student with the highest overall number of on-board pieces will be the tournament winner for that week. 

Additionally, during class, students will receive pointers from me on game strategy, and will be able to ask questions of me and discuss game strategy with one another at the end of class, if time permits.

Like its more regal cousin, chess, checkers is great at building strategic thinking and logical reasoning, with tremendous potential for skill advancement. However, the learning curve for those just beginning with checkers is much less intimidating than with chess. It is a fast-moving, exciting game that can be enjoyed by a mix of players of all skill levels, promoting good sportsmanship and friendly competition.

Week of Oct 18th: Taking the center of the board
Week of Oct 25th: Taking the side of the board
Week of Nov 1st: Protecting the King's Row
Week of Nov 8th: Wars of attrition