Three minutes, that’s all the time a player has to make their move and win the game.

“Leaving the tournament, I felt good and was very proud of myself for getting first place,” said junior first-place winner Max Reese.

On March 15 the Eisenhower chess tournament took place in the library. The top three winners all received a medal. Students who placed were senior Michael Brockhaus received third, senior Jacob Rizo-Llamas who received second and junior Max Reese who received first.

“Chess makes me feel smart, outsmarting my opponent makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something,” Brockhaus said.

The chess members competed against each other in a series of games where every move counted. These games were called the 7-game Blitz.

“My favorite game was the one I lost because that was the most competitive and thrilling game that I knew I was so close to winning,” said Rizzo-Llamas. 

Chess involves mental preparation which takes practice and strategizing. Practice methods can be players playing chess puzzles and playing people online for free.

“[In chess] there’s so many different moves that you can make, like a million possibilities, and I kind of like that, every single game is going to be different,” Reese said. 

Chess club practices every Thursday after school where they get to play against other members and advance their skills. Gym and health teacher Mary Milke, runs the chess club. 

“It’s a very eclectic group of students, which is nice. I hope that it makes everybody feel comfortable, no matter who they are, or what their skill level is,” said Milke. 

Members go to play games and different variants and just have fun. Anyone can join no matter their abilities. 

“Chess is relaxing because it’s just chill,” said Rizzo-llamas. “All you think about is the game and that’s it”.