Master Chessman
Passes the Torch
By Tim Calabro

Ten-year-old Harrison Allen makes a move with his knight against Max Stearns, 9. The pair have been playing chess since kindergarten. (Herald / Tim Calabro)

Ernest Wright learned to play chess more than 60 years ago, whilst stationed in Trinidad during the second World War. A casual game there led to a lifelong love of the game.

Fast forward to 2008 and you can still find Wright playing, keeping the love alive teaching local kids to appreciate chess.

In Bethel Elementary School, Wright mentors a two-day-a-week chess club, using Thursday as a day for free playing—where any kid can stop by for a game—and Friday for teaching private lessons. He says that this two group approach lets those with more interest delve deeper into the strategy, while allowing everyone to get a taste for the game.

Moreover, kids who take his classes find themselves teaching others at the free-play days and putting theory into practice.