RANDOLPH, Vt. (WCAX) – Kids from all corners of Vermont checked into Youth Chess Day with mates old and new.
Caleb Robbins of South Royalton pondered his next move in a fiery game of chess.
“I’ve learned by one of my counselors at a summer camp,” Robbins explained. “Ever since I’ve loved it.” He was up against his brother Jacob, who caught the chess bug from his big brother.
“At first it’s really hard but then you get the hang of it and it’s really easy,” Jacob Robbins said.
The boys played at the second annual Youth Chess Day, held at Vermont State University Randolph Campus. Senator Bernie Sanders started the tradition to get kids off their phones and into the game.
“Chess is a real way to develop intellect, to develop strategy, to think ahead,” Senator Sanders said. “I think it’s a good exercise of young people.”
Kids in grades 1-12 from across the state gathered for chess lessons and a tournament. Chess advisors from Middlebury College and UVM chess clubs brought new players up to speed.
“We learned with different pieces and all the sudden it just came to my brain!” new player Maggie Guyer of Morgan smiled.
Players say they enjoy online chess, but in-person games with friends are more rewarding.
“Real life I would say is funner because you get to move the pieces around instead of just clicking and stuff,” Caleb Robbins said.
Yoshwin Antony of Waterbury says in-person games are more challenging.
“I feel that it’s more competitive because I like it when I can actually see the pieces instead of being on my phone and playing it,” Antony said.
Nora Acheson prefers in-person chess, too, with a specific opponent.
“I prefer to play chess with people, like real people,” Acheson said. “I love just playing with my friends, especially today with my best friend Maggie.”
If you’re looking to get into the game, chess-perts recommend tutorials through learning platform Chess Kid or joining your local club.