Newtown High School Chess Club’s Winning Team

By Eliza Hallabeck

At the Newtown High School Chess Club’s meeting on Thursday, February 24, the club was still waiting to receive a trophy for earning the championship title for the Danbury Area Scholastic Chess League at an event on February 10.

Students who participated in the event were Cole Baldino, Tim Barrett, Kai Hedin, Peter Kung, Matt Pruner, and Tristan Villamil.

Just five days after the Danbury event, Chess Club members were at it again, participating in a tournament at Wooster School on February 26, which, according to Chess Club advisor Steve Mallory, included some of the best players in the league. This time Newtown’s chess players Cole Baldino finished second and Matt Pruner tied for third place in the tournament.

Becoming the champions of the Danbury Area Scholastic Chess League may not have happened, had the Chess Club not gained participants in the last two years. Chess Club president and NHS junior Matt Pruner said last year he and friends built the club back after other members had graduated, and this year freshmen joined the team.

“I think it’s a pretty good place,” said NHS freshmen Kai Hedin, who joined the Chess Club prepared, thanks to previously participating in chess tournaments at C.H. Booth Library.

The Danbury Area Scholastic Chess League includes teams from Joel Barlow, Danbury, Ridgefield, and Wooster School, in addition to Newtown.

“We actually wound up with a good team this year,” said Matt, reflecting on how the club has grown.

Kai, Matt, and Dr Mallory all shared tips for people interested in learning how to play chess. Kai said concentration is a key component, Matt said playing with area clubs and in online games is helpful, and Dr Mallory said there are many opportunities for beginner players to learn.

“This is actually a great time to be growing up playing chess,” said Dr Mallory, adding that computer programs can offer both an opponent and an analysis after the game is finished.

Learning the moves and playing is still a good place to begin, he said.

More information on the Chess Club, including highlights of other recent matches, is available on Dr Mallory’s Chess Club page, located off of the high school’s website at www.newtown.k12.ct.us/nhs.