♟️ This is an ongoing class for Middle School aged learners to practice playing chess in a friendly and mildly competitive environment. All skill levels are welcome! We have a solid mix of beginner and intermediate players in most classes. 

🤔 Class Experience
Top of the Hour: Welcome to new members and sharing from experienced members.

First ten to twenty minutes: Discuss opening, mid-game, or end-game strategies, and practice puzzles while voting on chess format and picking opponents through the zoom chat. 

By about quarter after the hour we have generally settled into a comfortable rhythm of playing chess, discussing moves taken, and analyzing each other's strategies. Most groups are a pleasant mix of chess discussion and social conversation about recent movies, comic books, favorite books, and gaming. 

👑 If you'd like to join an advanced class or one which is more quiet to allow for careful thinking, please message me for recommendations of which days/times will fit your needs. I do not create special talk/quiet sessions, but each group tends to find a style which is comfortable for the members. 

Common Opening Discussion topics:
- Suggest an Opening you would like to share or learn about.
- Name a chess player you're excited to talk about. Be prepared to share what you're most enthusiastic or curious about related to their career. 
- Share a chess book, guide, or article that has been helpful. 
- Share the PGN of an interesting chess game that you want to explore. 
- Post the FEN or PGN of a Midgame position we should discuss. 
- Ask about an Endgame position you'd like to study. 

Chess Formats played:
- 1 v 1 Untimed
- 1-3 minute Bullet
- 5 Minute Arena
- 20 Minute direct challenges.
- Everyone against Linke group vote chess
- Team Chess
- Four-Player Chess
- King of the Hill
- Bughouse
- Crazyhouse