Seniors association hosts chess club at Evergreen Centre

GUELPH – Whether you’re a grandmaster or just curious how the “horse” moves, consider stopping by the Evergreen Centre to learn how to play chess.

The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association’s bi-weekly chess club, hosted by volunteer Bruce Hurst, takes place every second and last Friday of the month from 10am to 12pm.

“You have to be 55-plus to join the GWSA, but I don’t see a problem with anybody coming out [to the chess club],”  Hurst said.

Hurst has been playing chess since his 20s.

He encourages players of all skill levels to contact the GWSA to attend.

“I just asked if anybody [at the GWSA] plays chess and they said, ‘no, why don’t you start up something?’” Hurst recalled.

The first meeting was held last September and attendance fluctuates week to week.

Although not a senior, Christian Stevens was in attendance and is rated 2,354 on the Chess Federation of Canada website. For perspective: amateur players are typically rated at around 1,200.

Stevens was the Canadian Grade 8 champion in 2001 and has played in tournaments locally and abroad.

Stevens is a FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) master, which is the third highest title a player can achieve, coming only after the grandmaster and international master titles.

Although it’s uncommon for players of such distinction to take part in the GWSA chess club, it’s a welcoming space for anyone with an interest in the game to attend.

“I think it’s actually quite a good venue, because the people are nice and the facility itself is conducive to sort of a good chess club atmosphere,” Stevens said.

For more information visit gwsa-guelph.ca or call 519-823-1291.