Although it may not receive a lot of attention, BHS has a chess club with some very accomplished players.

Advised by Spanish teacher Topher Helm and led by senior Allen Yu and junior Jeye Lahti-Thiam, the club meets not only to play chess but also to learn tactical skills and to play different variations of the game. 

“There are a bunch of variants you can play, like bug house or four player chess,” Yu said. “Some people set timers for themselves also.” 

The club consists of about 25 students who show up to meetings during Thursday academies, but some members have bigger plans.

There are a number of local competitions that students can participate in through the Greater Cleveland Chess League, the next one being Jan. 20 at Solon Middle School. Winners of these tournaments can earn scholarship money. 

Yu is confident that some of the members will be able to participate in the state competition, which is generally held on Labor Day weekend at locations around the state. 

“[The state competiton] sounds really promising, and I hope that I can muster up a sufficient roster,” he said. “There are definitely some people I feel have the talents and the will to do it.” 

Two BHS chess players who have a rich background with the game of chess are sophomores Leo Wang and Shamith Murthy.

Murthy shares how he became skilled at the game.

“Lots and lots of practice, reading books, doing puzzles, and just enjoying the game,” he wrote in a text message. 

Both Wang and Murthy plan on attending tournaments this year, as they have in the past. Murthy explains how the tournaments work.

“The tournaments are usually based off the Swiss system, which means you will get paired against opponents based on how well you are doing,” he said. “Usually each player has about two hours to think plus an additional 40 seconds on each move, but of course this can vary depending on the tournament.”

Chess club meets every other Thursday in Mr. Helm’s room. Contact Allen Yu or Jeye Lahti-Thiam for more information.