Entertaining Chess.

Hello,

I would like to give to my readers some insight on how, not only popular Chess indeed is, however, how entertaining it could be.

Tournament Chess.

Anyone could play in chess tournaments. There are a few requirements. You join the chess federation, for an annual fee, in which includes a monthly chess magazine and you get a chess rating. However don’t fear, I assure you it is one of the most enjoyable events, and everyone should experience this.

            A chess rating is when you participate in a chess tournament; you are given a provisional chess rating of 1200. A master is 2200. It is a mathematical formula. Easily understood, if you win you go up about 15 to-30 points a game, based on your opponents rating. Lose you go down.  

            There are tournaments available. Most popular on weekends. I will be directing a few in Hudson County, And possibly Secaucus.

            To improve in chess, like anything else, practice. I’m a believer of books. Computers are very popular, and lessons from a chess instructor.

Celebrity Chess.

Some of the most popular people played chess. Benjamin Franklin is my favorite. He also wrote the first Chess book in the USA called the morals of chess. He went everywhere with a chess board. All his endeavors were over a chess board.

Humphrey Bogart was the same. In his most famous movie, Casablanca, there is a famous scene, where he is playing, you guessed it, CHESS. John Wayne was a big time player as well.

The Foxwoods had a Chess tournament, where one of the sections where Celebrities only. Dustin Hoffman  was present along with many others.

I’m in the process of setting up a chess game with a very aspiring chess player, Sharon Stone. If this indeed takes place, then my chess career will be complete. Ha Ha.

The Chess Hustler.

One very entertaining chess setup are the chess hustlers in the famous chess parks. New York has a dynamic community. Chess in the parks are played by, what we call Chess hustlers. They play for money, and during play, basically trash talk there opponents to death.

My favorite is Russian Paul.  If you ever had the pleasure of watching one of his games, the pieces are moved at lightning speed.  I once brought my chess camp to Washington Sq Park,  the most famous Chess park, And after viewing Russian Paul in a heated game of one minute blitz, That’s right, the game was played in 2 minutes, one minute for each player, the kids were saying he had a robotic arm, That a human hand could not move that fast.

Human Chess.

Last week I had the pleasure of putting together an event called Human chess, where the chess pieces are humans moving across the board. This best part of this event was the idea was from a first grade student of mine. Her name is Love, and it was during her birthday party this wonderful event took place.

Chess on,

Peter Croce

Upcoming events; CHESS CLUB IN SECAUCUS. Registration requires.

Secaucus Chess Academy.

Begins in January.

Tuesday evenings. Bimpie base 1277 Paterson plank Rd.

6:00 PM beginners, 6:30 PM advanced.

Chess tournaments; January 31^st. At the Edgewater Library.

Admission FREE. Pre-registration required.

Friday January, 16th.

 Chess Trophy Knight /  Pizza Party.

All info and other Chess events, you could view on the web.

http://hudsoncountychess.tripod.com

Where to Play Chess?

        In my endeavors, I’m often asked, Where could I go to play Chess?

 So I will attempt to give the readers some ideas.

            First off, there are many ways to play.  One is the old fashion way, often referred to as over the board (OTB).

            Today one very popular way to play is to sit down at a computer. I’m a romantic, I love to play OTB Chess, however you sometimes do not have an opponent. I play at Yahoo games. Quite often. The beauty of this is playing people all over the world, and every level. At game rooms on the internet, Chess is the number one played game. The computer keeps a score sheet (records the moves) and calculates a rating.  

            You could also play computer Chess. I often tell my students, “that you play computer Chess to not Win or Loose, but to improve”. I have a link to play computer Chess on the Hudson County Chess web site.

Two very popular chess software games are Chessmaster and Fritz. I recommend Fritz. Fritz has more user friendly devices and is designed to co-ordinate with chess’s most popular Chess games database called Chessbase. Chessbase literally has over two million tournament games in its database for your convenience.

            I have personally created chess clubs in Hudson County where you could play OTB.  All clubs have web sites and are easily accessed through Google. Simply Google Hudsoncountychess or Hobokenchess, or Newportchess or Secaucuschess & so on.

            I’m most popular in Hoboken, where I have a long running chess community and have eight State Chess championship teams to my credit. Newport Chess has been growing, and soon to be Weehawken will have a club as well. And now I have started up a once a month scholastic chess group at the Secaucus Public library, which meets on the third Thursday of the month. 

I am now in the process of putting all my energy into a Secaucus Chess Club, so if interested (and committed) lets get together.

            One more popular way to play chess is called Correspondence Chess. Chess by mail.

            And here is a game I’m playing with YOU!

I’m white- white moves e4. Your move is c5. The famous Sicilian defense.

 I move nf3 which means the knight moves to f3. You move d6. I move d4. You capture cxd4. I capture nxd4.

It’s your turn. Email me your moves!

Enjoy.

Peter Croce

 Contact me at hobokenchess@yahoo.com

View the web, Google          secaucuschess

Upcoming events;

Chess club for children, 3:30 to 5:00 PM

at the Secuacus Library.

Third Thursday of the month

State Chess championships.

Nov. 23.

New Jersey K-12 Grade Championship.

Chess article, October 2008.

Hello.

Let me introduce myselph. My name is Peter Croce. I am a professional chess instructor.

I have been asked to write a chess column for your monthly Magazine, so hear we go.

First off, I would like to allow you to know a little about my experience. I have been directing Chess programs for many years. I am a member of the United States Chess Federation, and a certified tournament director.

I am the CEO and founder of the Hudson County Chess Association, Inc.

I have been playing for over forty years and , and I would like to tell you I am the biggest fan of not only playing, but of the history of this greatest of games. I have a wealth of knowledge in this topic;

And I will share this with all of you.

Many of the great topics we will be discussing could be viewed on the web site.

I'm asking you if you have any specific topics, please request them.

I will start off with the history of chess and a few questions and answers.

1) History of Chess.

Chess is a classic game of strategy, invented more than 1500 years ago in India. Legend has it that the ruler of India asked his wise men to devise a way to teach the children of the royal family to become better thinkers and better generals on the battlefield. Chess was the result. In the centuries since its invention, chess has spread to every country in the world. While countless other games have died out, chess lives on. In the United States, it has received endorsements by many educators, ranging from Benjamin Franklin to former U.S. Secretary of Education, Terrell Bell.

2.) Questions and Answers.

Q.  Why has this game lasted?

A.  “Fun” “Enjoyment” A battle between two minds. One on One!

No luck. No lucky bounces. No rolling of dice. No better hand than your opponent.

And you don’t have to have special skills. You don’t have to be 6 feet 5 inches tall, or run the 100 yard dash in 9 seconds.

            Q. Could I play in a chess tournament?

           A. Anyone could play in chess tournaments. There are a few requirements. You  Join the chess federation, for a annual fee, in which includes a monthly chess magazine, and you practice. However don’t fear, I assure you it is one of the most enjoyable events, and everyone should experience this.

            Q. What is a chess rating?

            A. When you participate in a chess tournament, you are given a provisional chess rating of 1200. A master is 2200. It is a mathematical formula. Easily understood, you win, your rating goes up, based on your opponents rating. Lose you go down.  

            Q. Are there any tournaments available?

            A. YES. Daily. Most popular on weekends. I will be directing a few in Hudson County, And possibly Secuacus.

            Q. How do I improve in chess.

            A. Like anything else, practice. I’m a believer of books. Computers are very popular, and lessons from a chess instructor.

3.) Advice. So here is your first lesson.

With a plan, the moves will follow.

Know the three opening principles.

• Develop your pieces. Bring them out.
• Fight for the center. The four center squares, E4, D4, E5, D5.
• Castle early. The King needs to be safe.

Contact me at hobokenchess@yahoo.com

View the web, Google          secaucuschess

Upcoming events;

Chess club for children, 3:30 to 5:00 PM

at the Secuacus Library.

Third Thursday of the month

State Chess championships.

Nov. 23.

New Jersey K-12 Grade Championship.

 1) History of Chess.

Chess is a classic game of strategy, invented more than 1500 years ago in India. Legend has it that the ruler of India asked his wise men to devise a way to teach the children of the royal family to become better thinkers and better generals on the battlefield. Chess was the result. In the centuries since its invention, chess has spread to every country in the world. While countless other games have died out, chess lives on. In the United States, it has received endorsements by many educators, ranging from Benjamin Franklin to former U.S. Secretary of Education, Terrell Bell.

 2) Academic Benefits

We have brought chess to the schools because we believe it directly contributes to academic performance. Chess makes kids smarter. It does so by teaching the following skills:

Focusing - Children are taught the benefits of observing carefully and concentrating. If they don’t watch what is happening, they can’t respond to it, no matter how smart they are.

Visualizing - Children are prompted to imagine a sequence of actions before it happens. We actually strengthen the ability to visualize by training them to shift the pieces in their mind, first one, then several moves ahead.

Thinking Ahead - Children are taught to think first, then act. We teach them to ask themselves “If I do this, what might happen then, and how can I respond?” Over time, chess helps develop patience and thoughtfulness.

Weighing Options - Children are taught that they don’t have to do the first thing that pops into their mind. They learn to identify alternatives and consider the pros and cons of various actions.

Analyzing Concretely - Children learn to evaluate the results of specific actions and sequences. Does this sequence help me or hurt me? Decisions are better when guided by logic, rather than impulse.

Thinking Abstractly - Children are taught to step back periodically from details and consider the bigger picture. They also learn to take patterns used in one context and apply them to different, but related situations.

Planning - Children are taught to develop longer range goals and take steps toward bringing them about. They are also taught of the need to reevaluate their plans as new developments change the situation.

Juggling Multiple Considerations Simultaneously - Children are encouraged not to become overly absorbed in any one consideration, but to try to weigh various factors all at once.

None of these skills are specific to chess, but they are all part of the game. The beauty of chess as a teaching tool is that it stimulates children’s minds and helps them to build these skills while enjoying themselves. As a result, children become more critical thinkers, better problem solvers, and more independent decision makers.

3) Educational Research

These conclusions have been backed up by educational research. Studies have been done in various locations around the United States and Canada,

showing that chess results in increased scores on standardized tests for both reading and math. A study on a large scale chess program in New York City, which involved more than 100 schools and 3,000 children, showed higher classroom grades in both English and Math for children involved in chess. Studies in Houston, Texas and Bradford, Pennsylvania showed chess leads to higher scores on the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal and the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking.

4) Social Benefits

In the schools, chess often serves as a bridge, bringing together children of different ages, races and genders in an activity they can all enjoy. Chess helps build individual friendships and also school spirit when children compete together as teams against other schools. Chess also teaches children about sportsmanship - how to win graciously and not give up when encountering defeat. For children with adjustment issues, there are many examples where chess has led to increased motivation, improved behavior, better self-image, and even improved attendance. Chess provides a positive social outlet, a wholesome recreational activity that can be easily learned and enjoyed at any age.

Literally. "A lot of times in education we try to teach kids the one right answer

and that leads to robotic thinking. Players should be encouraged to think of multiple possible moves before choosing the best play. "Real life isn't like that. Is there ever one right answer? Generating alternatives for the sake of alternatives is a good thing.

"My method has always been not just to teach chess moves, but to better accelerate thinking and concentration skills,"

Where to Play Chess?

        In my endeavors, I’m often asked, Where could I go to play Chess?

 So I will attempt to give the readers some ideas.

            First off, there are many ways to play.  One is the old fashion way, often referred to as over the board (OTB).

            Today one very popular way to play is to sit down at a computer. I’m a romantic, I love to play OTB Chess, however you sometimes do not have an opponent. I play at Yahoo games. Quite often. The beauty of this is playing people all over the world, and every level. At game rooms on the internet, Chess is the number one played game. The computer keeps a score sheet (records the moves) and calculates a rating.  

            You could also play computer Chess. I often tell my students, “that you play computer Chess to not Win or Loose, but to improve”. I have a link to play computer Chess on the Hudson County Chess web site.

Two very popular chess software games are Chessmaster and Fritz. I recommend Fritz. Fritz has more user friendly devices and is designed to co-ordinate with chess’s most popular Chess games database called Chessbase. Chessbase literally has over two million tournament games in its database for your convenience.

            I have personally created chess clubs in Hudson County where you could play OTB.  All clubs have web sites and are easily accessed through Google. Simply Google Hudsoncountychess or Hobokenchess, or Newportchess or Secaucuschess & so on.

            I’m most popular in Hoboken, where I have a long running chess community and have eight State Chess championship teams to my credit. Newport Chess has been growing, and soon to be Weehawken will have a club as well. And now I have started up a once a month scholastic chess group at the Secaucus Public library, which meets on the third Thursday of the month.  

I am now in the process of putting all my energy into a Secaucus Chess Club, so if interested (and committed) lets get together.

            One more popular way to play chess is called Correspondence Chess. Chess by mail.

            And here is a game I’m playing with YOU!

I’m white- white moves e4. Your move is c5. The famous Sicilian defense.

 I move nf3 which means the knight moves to f3. You move d6. I move d4. You capture cxd4. I capture nxd4.

It’s your turn. Email me your moves!

Enjoy.

Peter Croce

 Contact me at hobokenchess@yahoo.com

View the web, Google          secaucuschess

Upcoming events;

Chess club for children, 3:30 to 5:00 PM

at the Secuacus Library.

Third Thursday of the month

State Chess championships.

Nov. 23.

New Jersey K-12 Grade Championship.

Hello.

Let me introduce myselph. My name is Peter Croce. I am a professional chess instructor.

I have been asked to write a chess column for your monthly Magazine, so hear we go.

First off, I would like to allow you to know a little about my experience. I have been directing Chess programs for many years. I am a member of the United States Chess Federation, and a certified tournament director.

I am the CEO and founder of the Hudson County Chess Association, Inc.

I have been playing for over forty years and , and I would like to tell you I am the biggest fan of not only playing, but of the history of this greatest of games. I have a wealth of knowledge in this topic;

And I will share this with all of you.

Many of the great topics we will be discussing could be viewed on the web site.            

I'm asking you if you have any specific topics, please request them.

I will start off with the history of chess and a few questions and answers.

1) History of Chess.

Chess is a classic game of strategy, invented more than 1500 years ago in India. Legend has it that the ruler of India asked his wise men to devise a way to teach the children of the royal family to become better thinkers and better generals on the battlefield. Chess was the result. In the centuries since its invention, chess has spread to every country in the world. While countless other games have died out, chess lives on. In the United States, it has received endorsements by many educators, ranging from Benjamin Franklin to former U.S. Secretary of Education, Terrell Bell.

2.) Questions and Answers.

Q.  Why has this game lasted?

A.  “Fun” “Enjoyment” A battle between two minds. One on One!

No luck. No lucky bounces. No rolling of dice. No better hand than your opponent.

And you don’t have to have special skills. You don’t have to be 6 feet 5 inches tall, or run the 100 yard dash in 9 seconds.

            Q. Could I play in a chess tournament?

            A. Anyone could play in chess tournaments. There are a few requirements. You  Join the chess federation, for a annual fee, in which includes a monthly chess magazine, and you practice. However don’t fear, I assure you it is one of the most enjoyable events, and everyone should experience this.

            Q. What is a chess rating?

            A. When you participate in a chess tournament, you are given a provisional chess rating of 1200. A master is 2200. It is a mathematical formula. Easily understood, you win, your rating goes up, based on your opponents rating. Lose you go down.  

            Q. Are there any tournaments available?

            A. YES. Daily. Most popular on weekends. I will be directing a few in Hudson County, And possibly Secuacus.

            Q. How do I improve in chess.

            A. Like anything else, practice. I’m a believer of books. Computers are very popular, and lessons from a chess instructor.

3.) Advice. So here is your first lesson.

With a plan, the moves will follow.

Know the three opening principles.

• Develop your pieces. Bring them out.
• Fight for the center. The four center squares, E4, D4, E5, D5.
• Castle early. The King needs to be safe.

Contact me at hobokenchess@yahoo.com

View the web, Google          secaucuschess

Upcoming events;

Chess club for children, 3:30 to 5:00 PM

at the Secuacus Library.

Third Thursday of the month

State Chess championships.

Nov. 23.

New Jersey K-12 Grade Championship.

 1) History of Chess.

Chess is a classic game of strategy, invented more than 1500 years ago in India. Legend has it that the ruler of India asked his wise men to devise a way to teach the children of the royal family to become better thinkers and better generals on the battlefield. Chess was the result. In the centuries since its invention, chess has spread to every country in the world. While countless other games have died out, chess lives on. In the United States, it has received endorsements by many educators, ranging from Benjamin Franklin to former U.S. Secretary of Education, Terrell Bell.

 2) Academic Benefits

We have brought chess to the schools because we believe it directly contributes to academic performance. Chess makes kids smarter. It does so by teaching the following skills:

Focusing - Children are taught the benefits of observing carefully and concentrating. If they don’t watch what is happening, they can’t respond to it, no matter how smart they are.

Visualizing - Children are prompted to imagine a sequence of actions before it happens. We actually strengthen the ability to visualize by training them to shift the pieces in their mind, first one, then several moves ahead.

Thinking Ahead - Children are taught to think first, then act. We teach them to ask themselves “If I do this, what might happen then, and how can I respond?” Over time, chess helps develop patience and thoughtfulness.

Weighing Options - Children are taught that they don’t have to do the first thing that pops into their mind. They learn to identify alternatives and consider the pros and cons of various actions.

Analyzing Concretely - Children learn to evaluate the results of specific actions and sequences. Does this sequence help me or hurt me? Decisions are better when guided by logic, rather than impulse.

Thinking Abstractly - Children are taught to step back periodically from details and consider the bigger picture. They also learn to take patterns used in one context and apply them to different, but related situations.

Planning - Children are taught to develop longer range goals and take steps toward bringing them about. They are also taught of the need to reevaluate their plans as new developments change the situation.

Juggling Multiple Considerations Simultaneously - Children are encouraged not to become overly absorbed in any one consideration, but to try to weigh various factors all at once.

None of these skills are specific to chess, but they are all part of the game. The beauty of chess as a teaching tool is that it stimulates children’s minds and helps them to build these skills while enjoying themselves. As a result, children become more critical thinkers, better problem solvers, and more independent decision makers.

3) Educational Research

These conclusions have been backed up by educational research. Studies have been done in various locations around the United States and Canada,

showing that chess results in increased scores on standardized tests for both reading and math. A study on a large scale chess program in New York City, which involved more than 100 schools and 3,000 children, showed higher classroom grades in both English and Math for children involved in chess. Studies in Houston, Texas and Bradford, Pennsylvania showed chess leads to higher scores on the Watson Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal and the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking.

4) Social Benefits

In the schools, chess often serves as a bridge, bringing together children of different ages, races and genders in an activity they can all enjoy. Chess helps build individual friendships and also school spirit when children compete together as teams against other schools. Chess also teaches children about sportsmanship - how to win graciously and not give up when encountering defeat. For children with adjustment issues, there are many examples where chess has led to increased motivation, improved behavior, better self-image, and even improved attendance. Chess provides a positive social outlet, a wholesome recreational activity that can be easily learned and enjoyed at any age.

Literally. "A lot of times in education we try to teach kids the one right answer

and that leads to robotic thinking. Players should be encouraged to think of multiple possible moves before choosing the best play. "Real life isn't like that. Is there ever one right answer? Generating alternatives for the sake of alternatives is a good thing.

"My method has always been not just to teach chess moves, but to better accelerate thinking and concentration skills,"