Get on board! Summer Chess Camp returns with in-person sessions

MADISON – Players will be happy to ‘get on board’ as in-person sessions return in 2021 to Summer Chess Camp, sponsored by Madison City Chess League or MCCL.

Rainbow Elementary School, 50 Nance Road will host the camps on July 19-23.

“We will return to an over-the-board format with classes for every skill level,” MCCL Executive Director Ranae Bartlett said. “MCCL members (were allowed) to register first and reserve their spot. Registration opened to the general public on Memorial Day weekend.”

To register, visit madisonchess.com/events/700/2021-summer-chess-camp.

Three different camps will be available during morning hours. These half-day camps will meet on Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Camp fee is $150.

* Learn to Play Chess Camp —  This camp targets students in grades K-5 who want to learn to play chess, basic rules of the game, point values of pieces and checkmate patterns and strategy. Campers will receive a workbook.

* Intro to Competition Chess Camp – Sections will be available for grades K-5 and 6-12. This camp is for a student who has been playing chess less than one year or has not played in U.S. Chess Federation- or USCF-rated tournament. These campers want to get ready to compete in tournaments in fall 2021. Instructors Will Stevenson and Michael Guthrie.

* Advanced Competition Chess Camp – Students with a USCF rating above 1,000 should enroll in this camp. Instructor Jonathan Rasberry.

An additional three camps in the afternoon are designed for students with a USCF rating and who have experience playing in over-the-board tournaments. The half-day camps will meet on Monday through Friday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Camp fee is $150.

* Beginning Competition Chess Camp — This camp will help younger students in grades K-5 who are USCF-rated under 600 and have competed in rated tournaments. The instruction will focus on tactics, endgames and tournament rules and notation. Instructor David Hayes.

* Intermediate Competition Chess Camp – Campers in this session will be students in grades K-12 who have a USCF rating of 600 to 1,000. Instructor Will Stevenson.

* Advanced Competition Chess Camp –This session is intended for students in grade K-12 with a USCF rating above 1,000. Instructor Jonathan Rasberry.

For more information email mccl.director@gmail.com or visit madisonchess.com.