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 SESSION 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 $15/evaluation & class session  (non-members $20) 
        One Session Pass:  $100 
        Two Session Pass:  $180          
        Three Session (Full Year) Pass:  $250
        10 Class Pass (no time limit): $100
        20 Class Pass (no time limit): $180

The club will meet on the following Saturdays from 9:00 to 11:00 AM 

        SMCC - Family One Season Pass:  $150
                       Family Two Season Pass:  $275  
                       Family Full Year Pass:  $400

       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).   Payment is due at the beginning of each session, or may be made (in advance) for one, two, or three full sessions (registration form) for a significant savings.  For those who cannot attend regularly we offer "10 class" and "20 class" passes with no time limit on attendance (contact Center for details). 
     Each class consists of individual and/or group instruction and practice.  Students may create a "Chess Journal" (a loose-leaf binder to keep the printed lesson notes and other free instructional materials in).  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 and study are available to those who are motivated, including reduced registration at the on-line Chess Magnet School (below).  
     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 any of several chess sites.  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.   

  Each session includes ten classes and several make-ups. Due to our discounted rates, there are no refunds for missed classes, but all regular students may come to the extra classes. Students may register at any time and those who register with fewer than ten classes remaining in a session will receive a pro-rated tuition rate. However, students  are 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 to all students, seven-days-a-week at Lakeforest Mall (we suggest you bring your own set and board).  
   

   The Monday Evening Chess Club (MECC) is held, during the regular school year, at the C&O Family Chess Center in Gaithersburg, with Coach Omar Pancoast and staff.  It is open to students in 6th grade & up, and adults.  Students lower than grade 6 may seek instructor approval if their rating is Level 7 or higher (700 USCF). Each class session may include advanced instruction, Master Game analysis & lectures, organized USCF or club-rated play, and special events.  
   The MECC is intended for the serious student, as well as the casual player seeking to improve.  Players should bring their own chess equipment (new students may purchase a set if they don't already have one).  All students may access center study materials and the Chess Center Library (now over 500 volumes and periodicals).  For full benefit players should get additional practice for at least an hour, three or more times each week.  On-line web sites or local clubs such as the one at Lakeforest Mall (every evening and weekends, beginning at noon) are appropriate for this.   
    Players are also invited to get unlimited free play, seven-days-a-week, at Lakeforest Mall (please take your own equipment).  The most popular times with students are Friday evenings and Saturdays beginning at noon.

The club will meet at the center on the following evenings from 7:00 to 8:45 PM

Fall 2010 (10 classes, 3 make-ups):

Sept. 13, 20, 27, Oct. 04, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 08, 15, 22, 29, Dec. 06, 13,

Winter/Spring 2011 (10 classes, 3 make-ups):   

Jan. 03, 10, 24, 31, Feb. 07, 14, 28, Mar. 07, 14, 21, 28, Apr. 04, 11,

                         Monday Evening Chess Club Registration
                                       (at the Chess Center) 
                   

            Individual Lessons 
                     (By appointment only. Not recommended for new beginners. 
               Students with ratings above Level 12 should request Coach Bruce Till)

1 or 2 students, children & adults:

     Tue., Wed., & Thu. 7:00 PM by appointment only

     Levels 4-12  60 min. session $35/Members ($40/Non-Memb.)
     Levels 6-17 90 min. session $50/Memb. ($60/Non-Memb.)

   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 1-17 (USCF 100 - 1799) $35/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 Magnet School (CMS)
                    (inter-active on-line lessons in C&O classes )

C&O Family Chess Center currently offers one initial class group.  We receive no money from this program, 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.  The regular rate is $29.95. When registering in the C&O class the cost is only $25 (USCF members only $22).  Students have access to over 150 lessons and other activities (which supplement our classroom materials and instruction) including unlimited play against a computer-chess engine.  Our coaches will have access to your CMS records and can direct you to specific exercises and areas of study if you ask.  Progress on CMS lessons and evaluations may translate into rating points on your club rating.   

All students qualify for a 30-day free trial and may sign up at the CMS website (below). When prompted for your name and E-mail you will also be asked if you want to join a class.  You must enter our class password, which is [ press64 ] (do not enter the brackets).  We will let you know when your free trial is over and you may pay the annual fee to the chess center.  That is the only way to receive your discounts and enter our class. DO NOT PAY ON-LINE directly to CMS.

                            Chess Magnet School Registration