Have you ever thought about learning to play chess but you did not have anyone to teach you? Do you know the basics and would like to improve your game? Do you know how to play but lack an opponent? Then this course is for you. Chess is perfect for those looking for a new challenge. As a strategy game it keeps your brain active as players engage in planning, analysis and problem solving. In addition, it is a great way to socialize and deal with stress and anxiety. Best of all, it can be played anywhere, year-round. All you need is a board and a partner. Although the basics are easy to learn, people have dedicated years to mastering the game. This course will go over the fundamentals: the rules of the game, how to move and capture pieces, and how to achieve checkmate. We will also go beyond the basics to teach strategies and tactics to improve your game and assist you on your quest to becoming a chess master. Each class will be long enough to play some chess and put your new knowledge to use Tom Mack is a retired elementary school teacher who ran a weekly, after-school chess club for 20 years, including taking students to weekend VA Scholastic Chess League tournaments. He now spends his days with his wife, Lesley, creating, maintaining, and giving tours of their three-acre botanical garden outside Luray. Visitors to the garden may escape the hustle and bustle of life while enjoying a variety of picturesque garden rooms. Google 'Birdsong Pleasure Garden' and contact us to schedule a tour. Tom also spends a lot of time walking their Covid rescue dog, Moon.