Chess Instruction in Austin

Chess has some big-time enthusiasts in Austin. Like most university and cultural centers, Austin has some good clubs and groups who can teach the game and who have get togethers for people whose passion is this game. It's a great game that really is almost addictive to people who get involved. My advice would be to get some basic instruction and join a group or chess club to practice. Get some online sites where you can practice new moves and strategies. And by all means, teach your kids this game. You'd be surprised how great they can be and how much chess will help develop skills in patience, planning, strategic thinking, concentration and so much more.

The Austin Chess Club meets at the Bridge Center of Austin, 5555 N. Lamar, Suite H126 from 6-11:30 p.m. Games begin at 6:30 and people can go there to register until 6:25. The new club opened in January, 2006. It arranges tournaments and events for members. They accept members aged 14 and up and the club costs $40/yr. and $10 for each additional family member. Their membership is comprised of players "looking to play in serious, USCF-rated events." The Austin Chess Club also has a list of nine club members who will give lessons to those interested in learning the basics and in honing their skills. It is listed on the web site. Contact the tournament hotline at 512.535.5062 or email them at austinchessclub@gmail.com or ggaiffe@sbcglobal.net.

Austin has its own chess store now. The American Chess Store is open Monday-Friday, 11-7, and Saturday 10-7. They're closed Sundays. This store has books, tournament chess boards and pieces, clocks and other chess products. One wan many people begin to learn the game is by reading, in addition to going to camps and taking classes from local masters. Ruben Rodriguez owns and runs the store.
5326 Manchaca Rd, Austin, TX 78745
Phone: 512-851-CHES
Email: sales@americanchessstore.com

There is an online chess learning interactive site which is very helpful to those who want to sharpen their skills and learn about the different methods of playing. There's an online store where students can purchase learning materials, clock, software, bags, tables and more. Each week there's a new game puzzle with the solution to win. It's a good way to practice strategies learned offline. Just google for the site that looks the most interesting. Many of them are free and really fun.

Lee is one of several area elementary schools to now offer chess clubs. Austin's Casis and Bryker Woods elementary schools and Laurel Mountain Elementary School in Round Rock also have programs for children interested in this fascinating educational game. Get in touch with these places if you have a child there and definitely enroll them.

There will be an Austin chess camp offered August 7-11, 2007 by a member of the Austin chess club. These camps often teach youngsters more in a week than they can learn in a full year in some classes. They're intensive, fun, and inspiring for youngsters. The kids also meet others who are at their level and this gives them more contacts to play with. The camp is at the Dell Jewish Community Center. Call
(512) 328-3638for information on registering for this event. The camp will accept children at all levels of skill. There is a download of the application form on the web site for the Session IV weekly camps.
Jewish Community Association of Austin
7300 Hart Lane
Austin, Texas 78731