Many Dallastown students look forward to the end of the day because they finally have some alone time to sit around and scroll on their phones.

However, for many students, wildcat period isn’t just a place to sit around and waste time, it’s a time for them to challenge their minds while also playing one of their favorite classical games.

“Chess club is something I look forward to going to on day 1’s,” said one of the top club’s players Jadon Shaffer.

Part of the reason that many of the players feel this way is because of the exciting, fun, atmosphere that the club advisor Mr. Jansen brings to each meeting.

Jansen took over the club several years ago, and when asked why he simply responded with, “I like playing chess,” this basic principle is what helped him shape chess club into what it is today.

Although Jansen has never played in any competitions, he is definitely well qualified to advise the club because he has an astounding rating of 1823.

“Some people join to learn how to play. It is a pretty casual club,” said Jansen

This is probably why each year the club gets around 30-40 players.

“Chess Club is a place where people can go and play chess while also just hanging out,” said Shaffer 

This shows that a club is a perfect place for someone to sharpen their skills, make friends, and most importantly enjoy the game.

For people looking to sharpen their skills outside of the club,

“You should study tactics and good strategy using YouTube tutorials,” stated Jansen.

Although to the average person, the club may seem to just be a place for chess nerds to group up, it’s much more than that. It’s a place to meet new people, learn and practice the game of chess, and most importantly have fun.