The boards are open in Madison

From The Publisher

My 9-year-old nephew, Aidan, beat me at chess over the holiday break.

I laughed foolishly at him when he asked to play thinking it was going to be an easy victory.

I was right; it was an easy win, for Aidan.

He defeated me in six moves and embarrassed me in front of the whole family.

My embarrassment did not last long because he then whipped my brother, his dad.

Aidan had joined a chess club at his school in Atlanta. He is thriving in that club and it was great to have witnessed it first hand.

I recently read Gregg Parker’s story, Checkmate, in February’s Madison Living magazine. It’s wonderful to learn chess is a big deal for Madison’s youth, too.

Ranae Bartlett, Bill Nash and Noel Newquist should be commended for creating the Madison City Chess League.

The Madison City Chess League meets at the Hogan Family YMCA on Monday evenings. They host chess tournaments for 40 to 50 children.

Bartlett is quoted in the story stating chess “teaches analysis, logic, and problem-solving skills: improves memory and concentration; improves planning and foresight; and grows perseverance and sportsmanship.”

These are all characteristics and traits we hope our children develop. Even as adults we strive to check all of those boxes.

These Madison students are winning state championships now.

What is even more impressive is our kids are competing internationally in chess through Skype technology.

This must be a thrill for the students, teachers and parents to compete and win at the state and international levels.

If you would like to learn how to get your child involved in the Madison City Chess League please visit their website, madisoncitychessleague.weebly.com.

As a father of a 5-year-old it is gratifying to live in a community with many enriching opportunities for our children.

I’m sure it is a matter of time before my daughter, Caroline, beats me at chess, too.