With everyone (except essential workers) asked to self-quarantine and stay at home as much as possible, our weekly club meeting has been suspended. But one of the benefits of chess (compared to other social activities) is the ability to enjoy the game online. From playing, tactics training, learning openings and viewing the games of the masters, there is a whole world of chess to experience from the comfort of your home.

Our resident NM, Matan Prilleltensky, has graciously offered to provide club members with their own virtual chess class. He recently competed in an IM norm tournament at the Marshall club and would like to go over these games – this promises to have high instructional value, to get into the thought process of a Master level player.

The plan is to offer this virtual class on Monday April 6th at 7pm (same time that our club would meet). He will use Zoom, a web-based video meeting tool that has free access to join (so it will not cost anything for you). Because he would like to have a manageable audience (at least for this first class), it will be limited to current Vassar-Chadwick members. If you are interested, please send a message to the club page on Facebook, providing your email address. When the time approaches, Matan will send the Zoom meeting link to your email. Then all you need to do is make some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy a Master class – and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

If this is successful and well-received, we might have more of these sessions in the future. So if you can make it, I think it would be well worth your time.