By Mari Radtke
Andrew Thomas is new to Sutherland. He has an interesting hobby. He taught his 5-year-old son Jack to play chess, starting at age 3. Andrew says that by the time Jack was 4 he could finish a game. By 5 he could beat his dad. Andrew says, “He’s real competition.” Others may say prodigy.
Jack met Tucker Bird at the Sutherland Library. They sat in chairs and went to the chess board. Jack, with his dad, taught Tucker to play chess. Tucker said about playing chess, “I think it’s kind of fun.” He started in early July and getting the hang of how the pieces move.
Jack’s favorite piece is the queen. “It moves from side to side and down,” Jack said. “It is the most powerful piece.” Tucker feels the same way. And Tucker is learning. He won his first game on July 24! They play weekly.
They are looking to find more people who play chess. Jack and Andrew are considering forming a chess club. Jack wants it at his house but his parents are thinking maybe the library.
Some of the moves Jack knows is En Passant. That is French for “in passing.” He also knows Castling. That’s a move using the King, a Rook and Pawns. This is where Tucker wanted me to know that his favorite piece is the Rook.
For more information or to show interest in kids’ chess contact the Sutherland Library at 446-3839.