Session 1

Chess Strategy and Tactics

Improve your game and strategy 

Join the chess program at Pacific: learn the moves, improve your play and connect with other chess enthusiasts while playing the royal game. This exciting program, taught by experienced chess coaches and titled players, has the advantage of being both an in-person and online activity. Be part of one of the hottest new trends in the eSporting world!

Curriculum

Through demonstrations and lots of practice games, our titled chess coaches will cover the most fundamental topics in chess:

  • Complete explanations of the rules of play, including castling, underpromotion, en passant capture and the five ways to earn a draw
  • Overview of chess openings, and practical guidance on how to get your pieces out
  • Cutting-edge chess tactics and strategies to use in the middlegame
  • How to convert your small advantages to a win or defend successfully against the opponent's advantageous position during the endgame
  • Training on computer programs and how to use them in your chess development
  • How to deep-analyze your own games and advance your chess skills with that analysis
  • How to successfully participate in over-the-board and online chess competitions
  • Learn what it takes to be a chess coach and earn extra income as a personal chess tutor
close up photo of chess pieces
Planned Topics

Demonstrations around various topics: openings, middlegames, endgames, tactics, strategies.

  • In-person, over-the-board paired play: paired against players with similar skill sets and level
  • Puzzle-solving competitions: get your mind sharpened by solving puzzles
  • Blitz & Bughouse competition: fun and fast competitions with your friends and teammates
  • Simultaneous exhibition offered by a titled player: here is your chance to show your best and beat a master
  • Use the Pacific garden chess set for some fun outdoor activity

Other planned topics and activities include:

  • Watching famous chess movies
  • Tuning into exciting chess broadcasts
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Jay Stallings
Co-Lead
Jay Stallings

BS in Business, University of Texas - Austin, 1991

Jay Stallings is a nationally-rated chess expert with 15 published chess books. He has taught over 40,000 students since 1994 and is an international lecturer on Excellence in Chess Instruction.

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