Learn to play chess with Astoria Chess Club

Published 8:00 pm Thursday, September 24, 2015

The Astoria Chess Club, formed by Hiller West and Mike Landolfi in October 2013, meets at 11:30 a.m. Saturdays at Three Cups Coffee House, 279 W. Marine Drive, and at 5:30 p.m. Thursdays at Rollin’ Thunder BBQ, 77 11th St. There is no fee for membership, and no minimum skill level; all that is required is an interest in chess. There are always players present who have boards and pieces, so people interested in the club aren’t required to bring any equipment of their own.

“The club attracts members from a variety of backgrounds,” Landolfi said. “Our meetings might last an hour or three to four hours depending on how keen our players are to keep playing. And of course it’s the perfect activity to enjoy indoors on a rainy Astoria day.”

Starting Tuesday, Landolfi is teaching a Beginning Chess class at Clatsop Community College. The course meets Tuesday evenings for 10 weeks, and is designed for beginners, although all are welcome. Students can register online at

http://bit.ly/1MJ48Pl. They can also register on the first night of class.

Students will learn about the history of chess and receive instruction on how to improve their game. They will also play many training games against fellow students. “Since it’s a community education class, there are no tests and there is no homework,” Landolfi said. “The idea is simply to make new friends while enjoying a stimulating activity and raise the profile of chess in the community. I’m hoping to pass on some of the enjoyment I’ve received playing chess since I was a young boy.”

“Chess offers students a way to improve their powers of concentration and analytical thinking,” he added, “as well as providing an opportunity to build good sportsmanship and character.”

For information about the club, go to the Astoria Chess Club Facebook page or email astoriachessclub@gmail.com