Playing ACES CHESS (Active Chess Education Experience for all Students via Communities Helping Educate Successful Scholars) is a group of teachers, parents, and interested community leaders who recognize the importance of developing critical thinking skills in every student, using chess as the vehicle to teach these skills.
Why call it “Playing ACES CHESS”? Simple, for years people have thought of those who are the best of the best as “aces” and chess, because it is the serious but fun game, anchors this effort to further the K-12 student population towards success. Besides, student, parents, educators, and others welcome the positive nature of any name that reinforces good behaviors like good sportsmanship and a sense of fair play, combined with scholastic excellence.
Playing ACES coaches will use a series of techniques and support resources to help all young people explore their natural ability to develop their minds to understand and integrate those skills learned playing chess into their educational lives in order to be better students. Our strategies will build confidence within in a safe and stimulating atmosphere.
Chess education is not just learning the mechanics and tactics of the game itself, it will also demonstrate the historical impact chess has had from literature to science. Playing ACES is designed with a process that enhances a child’s overall appreciation of chess as a way to evaluate problems and potential resolutions without the need for otherwise aggressive behaviors prevalent in society today. Resolving conflict and understanding the impact of decisions before they are made and then learning to handle those choices once made is a life skill critical for everyone at every level. Chess is one of those games that facilitates this critical skill.
Please explore this website for more information on our mission and vision to help all kids enjoy the benefits of chess education. Learn more about the founder of Playing ACES and the history of influences on the development of human intelligence (an interactive map) that make the Playing ACES Chess Education Program an important tool.
Remember that “Chess is best played in the mind, not by the mouth“, Nate Szejniuk, SRE Chess Club Coach.
