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C&O Family Chess Center
Carolyn Pancoast, Program Director
Certified USCF Chess Coach
217 West Diamond Avenue
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2106
Programs@chesscenter.net CHESS INSTRUCTION
at Lakeforest Mall, the Chess Center
& by E-mail
(Updated January 15, 2012)
Mattie Stepanek & Ben Miller in class, July 2003 C&O-FCC
FREE "Beginner" Link and Downloads:
New players are encouraged to use the free "Learn To Play" link (at left) and print out the download "Chess Basics for New Players," as well as various "tutorials". Players may enroll in the Saturday Morning Chess Club (below) when they know how all the pieces move. The SMCC will take a new player with the basic moves into beginning and intermediate strategy, and beyond.
GROUP SESSIONS TUITION AND FEES
(for membership information see "Membership" page)New Player Evaluation & Introductory Lesson:
Saturdays 11:00 - 2:00 PM at Lakeforest Mall - by appointment (call to schedule)
Free with Membership (non-members $20)
Saturday Morning Chess Club
9:00 - 11:00 AM at Lakeforest Mall
Drop-In: Members $15 Non-Members $20/evaluation & class session
10 Class Pass (no time limit): $100 Family: $170
15 Class Pass (no time limit): $140 Family: $230
20 Class Pass (no time limit): $180 Family: $290
*Non-Members add membership dues (Membership Application) for one year. The club will NOT meet on the following Saturdays from 01/01/12 to 08/31/12
Closed 2012: 1/7, 3/31, 4/7, 5/26, 7/7, 8/25 The Saturday Morning Chess Club (SMCC) is held at Lakeforest Mall (LFM), in Gaithersburg. SMCC is open to Center members, both children and adults (Membership Application). Due to popular request Seasonal memberships are no longer being offerred in favor of 10-, 15-, and 20-class passes (registration form) with no time limit on attendance.
Each group class may also include individual instruction as well as the group instruction practice. Instruction is individually tailored to each student's level of experience from beginners through experienced tournament players. It includes everything from basic concepts and tactics through analysis, computer use and tournament strategy. Outside assignments, study, and practice are available to those who are motivated, including free registration at Chess.com, where we maintain a club presence for all C&O Family Chess Center programs. Students are encouraged to create a "Chess Journal" (a loose-leaf binder to keep printed lesson notes and other instructional materials in).
For maximum benefit, parents should plan for children to spend an hour, or more, on practice two or more times each week in addition to the weekly class. This may include practice with a computer program, with siblings, friends, or parents, or on-line at Chess.com, where our staff may monitor their games. Parents need not stay in the food court during the class but are welcome to do so. Parents are requested not to remain directly in the chess area during the class unless enrolled as a student or volunteering as a club aide under club guidelines.
Registration includes at least ten classes. Longer registrations are available for greater discounts. Students are also welcome to remain after SMCC for practice during the regular LFM chess club if they wish. The regular LFM club meets even when there is no SMCC. Unlimited free-play is available until the mall closes, seven-days-a-week at Lakeforest Mall (we suggest you bring your own set and board).
Saturday Morning Chess Club Registration
(At Lakeforest Mall)
Individual Instruction
(Members only, by appointment only. Not available for new beginners.
Students with ratings above Level 12 may be referred to Coach Bruce Till or other staff)
Single student, children & adults: Tue., Wed., & Thu. 7:00 PM by appointment only Levels 4-8 60 min. session $35
Levels 5-12 90 min. session $50
Levels 13-17 90 min. session $60
*Discount for two students: each $25/60 min. $40/90 min.
Contact Programs@chesscenter.net for details, questions, or to schedule a lesson.
Individual E-mail Lessons (children & adults): Levels 1-17 (USCF 100 - 1799) $40/2 games ( non-members $50)
Student will play two complete games (one as White, one as Black) with instructor via E-mail. Relaxed play (one move every few days) is perfect for those with busy schedules. Ongoing analysis combines with a final printed version of the game (complete with diagrams) for a lasting record.
Contact Programs@chesscenter.net for details, questions, or to arrange an E-mail lesson.
Individual Game Analysis (children & adults): Levels 1-12 (USCF 100 - 1299) $20/game ( non-members $40)
Coach Pancoast and staff thoroughly analyze any submitted game, returning to you a final printed version of the game with comments, variations, diagrams, and supplemental Master games for your enjoyment, continued study and a lasting record. Please include complete tournament data if applicable (Tournament name, players' complete names and ratings, if available, date played, etc.). Submit game, with payment by check, to the C&O Family Chess Center, Attention: Game Analysis, 217 West Diamond Ave., Gaithersburg, MD 20877-2106. Be sure to include your return address. Allow two - three weeks for completed analysis.
The Chess.com Website
(inter-active on-line lessons)
The C&O Family Chess Center currently has a number of groups available on Chess.com at no extra charge if you are enrolled in one of our programs or are a Center member (Membership Application). We receive no money from Chess.com, but it is very useful if students are taking lessons or classes with us. While it is not necessary to register through the center there are several benefits to doing so, especially if you are enrolled in one of our programs. Students have access to a wide variety of lessons and other activities (which supplement our classroom materials and instruction) including unlimited play against other Chess.com members, computers (at different strengths), and our own coaches. Our coaches, in turn, will have access to your Chess.com games and ratings, and can direct you to specific exercises and areas of study if you ask. While their ratings are somewhat inflated, progress in Chess.com ratings will also translate into rating points on your club or USCF rating.
Chess.com Registration
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