The Grandmaster Circle (Chess)

Program Overview (Sept 26 – Dec 12):

Students will build foundational knowledge of chess while developing problem-solving and strategic thinking skills. Each week introduces new concepts and tactics, with opportunities to practice through interactive play. The course progresses from basic piece movement to advanced tactics and endgame fundamentals, concluding with a fun class tournament. Students are required to bring their own chess set (board and pieces) or they can purchase from PTO for additional $20.00.

Weekly Focus:

Week 1: Chessboard, setup, and piece movement

Week 2: Pawns, rooks, bishops, and their roles

Week 3: Knights, queens, and common tactics

Week 4: King safety, check, checkmate, stalemate, and castling

Week 5: Opening principles

Week 6: Basic tactics (pins, forks, skewers)

Week 7: Advanced tactics (discovered attacks, double checks)

Week 8: Endgame fundamentals (king and pawn)

Week 9: Trading pieces, activity, rook endgames

Week 10: Review & fun class tournament

Instructor Qualifications:

Andrew Hu is an experienced chess instructor rated 1608 ELO on chess.com competitive play. He has been teaching chess for the past year and is passionate about making lessons engaging and interactive. His teaching approach emphasizes not only chess skills, but also patience, problem-solving, and confidence-building.