Kearsley’s chess team has been successful in the past, with 24 league championships, nine state championships, and seven national championships.

Although the team has declined in recent years, the game is gaining popularity among the Sophomore and Freshman classes.

Coach Chris Schmidt hopes to improve the team by giving players more experience with the game.

“The main thing I want to do is have my players practice,” Schmidt said. ” It’s a lot of time and effort. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it.”

Junior Tyler Jamison is new to the chess team this season. He enjoys the game’s strategic thinking.

“The tactics involved just make it enjoyable,” Jamison said. “It’s a good, long game.”

One aspect of the game is the way it changes. A player can be in a horrible position and still win if an opponent makes a blunder.

Justin Karram, senior, came to a chess practice this season.

He enjoys chess for its decision making.

“I like how you think about what you do next,” Karram said. “You can take a piece, but you have to think about if you should take the piece.”

He also likes how the game relates to real life.

“In real life, you always make those (difficult) decisions,” Karram said. “It’s quite similar to chess. You have to weigh your decisions.”