Are you in Delaware and want to try chess? You need to start by finding the right resources. These include knowing where to train, practice, and compete. Continue reading this piece to learn everything you need to know regarding the State of chess in Delaware.
While trends have come and gone, a few have withstood the test of time. Chess is one of these trends that came and stuck around. Ever since its establishment, the game has remained a relevant part of humanity’s culture. While the game has definitely evolved, the core concept has remained.
Through the ages, the board game played a different role. For example, at one point, chess was highly admired and studied by kings, emperors, and even conquerors. These notable figures would use lessons from the board game to help rule and govern their kingdoms. In some cases, chess strategies would even be deployed in times of war to get the upper hand over the enemy.
Today, the board game has spread to every corner of the globe. It is a popular pastime in schools, public places like parks, and even formal competitions. Some of these competitions are high profile, and only the top chess players can participate.
Chess has been linked to numerous psychological, mental, and even emotional benefits. In many cases, children who pick up the board game from a younger age end up doing well in life. That’s not to say you are guaranteed success if you learn chess from childhood. Nonetheless, the lessons and skills you pick up along the way will prove helpful in everyday life scenarios.
If you want to try your hand at the board game, Delaware is one of the best places to start. This applies to both adults and children. Delaware State is strategically located between other key States. This makes it a chess hub and a great place to develop and grow your skills.
History of Chess in Delaware
Delaware is a strategically placed State known for many things. These include the popular and strategically placed beaches around the Dewey, Bethany, and Rehoboth areas. The State also has a rich history and houses some of the most friendly tax laws.
Above all else, Delaware is popular for its high standing in the chemical manufacturing industry. This is why the State is often referred to as the chemical capital of the world.
In a formal setting, Delaware is known as the First State. Other common names include the Diamond State, the Small Wonder, and the Blue Hen State.
Delaware is known as the First State as it was among the initial regions to ratify the constitution in the U.S. However, the name is befitting even when analyzing the State’s standing in chess. Despite its small size, the First State is a leader in the popular board game.
Chess spilled over to Delaware after it was introduced in Washington in the 18th century. Ever since then, the board game has remained an integral part of the State. Today, you are likely to find people playing chess on the streets and parks when walking through Delaware.
Chess is popular among all age groups and generations in the First State. You will find kids as young as three years old playing the games. In the streets, you’ll find even the elderly and geriatrics enjoying the board game. This diversity represents the State of chess throughout the country.
Delaware Chess Setting
The Diamond State is one of the smallest regions in the United States. It is currently ranked as the 49th largest State and houses just three counties. From its small size and high-ranking popularity, the State is densely populated, with over 500 people per square mile.
If you look at larger States with a smaller population density, you’ll notice that regional and local governments have established chess programs in schools and other learning institutions. Arizona is a great example of this feature.
Despite its small size and dense population, the First State has invested heavily in chess programs targeting younger generations. For example, if you look at most schools, you’ll notice they have an active chess club.
This ensures there’s a lot of interest in the board game from a young age. Chess is one of those games where you can always learn more. By generating chess interest in young kids, you ensure most will continue playing the board game well into their adult age. This is true for both professional and recreational chess players.
The average age in Delaware is about 41 years. This is partly because of the large number of government and corporate professionals living in the State. This population consists of both people born within the State and those who move here. The racial divide is also relatively narrow in the First State.
The diversity in Delaware creates the perfect scene for chess to thrive. This board game can be played by anyone, regardless of age, gender, language, or background. As long as you understand the rules of chess, you can engage anyone and have a great game.
Chess Grandmasters in Delaware
At the moment, Delaware does not have any grandmasters that are originally from the state. This, however, should not take away from the pure talent in the First State. It is worth noting that the grandmaster title in chess is one of the most coveted accomplishments. You need years of experience and prowess to even come close to accomplishing this great feat.
The First State has a lot of promising names that are on their way to acquiring the grandmaster title. Some of the highly-ranked chess players within the Blue Hen State include Terrance Stokes, Eric Farrell, and Hatim Ibrahim.
If you live in Delaware and want to work your way to the list of top-ranked chess players in the State, you need to associate with the Delaware Chess Association (DECA). DECA is the responsible party tasked with regulating and overseeing all chess activities in the First State.
You can become a DECA member by registering on their webpage or manually through the mail. Both kids and adults are welcome to apply for the State’s chess membership. Some of the benefits you get to enjoy after you become a DECA member include the following;
- You receive automatic updates on all upcoming tournaments and chess events
- You are eligible to vote in all DECA elections
- You will be able to compete in scholastic championships in Delaware
- You get to network with other chess players in your location and State in general
As an aspiring chess player in Delaware, joining DECA will avail you with the relevant skills and tips to take your game to the next level.
Delaware Chess Tournaments
The only surefire way to test your chess-playing skills is by challenging yourself. The more you play, the more you learn about chess. This makes it easier to grow, learn the rules of the game, and develop the abilities needed to elevate you to the grandmaster level.
Chess tournaments in Delaware are highly competitive. Here, you’ll meet people to challenge you every step of the way. In addition, there are numerous tournaments for different age groups and skill levels. Some of the top Delaware chess tournaments include;
- Dewey Beach Open Championship – This tournament is famously held at Dewey Beach and attracts chess players and enthusiasts from all over Delaware. There are various categories to compete in and even more prizes for the winners and top chess players. Ideally, you should register beforehand to ensure you get a spot, as the event is very popular and highly competitive. In addition, you do not necessarily need to be a Delaware resident to participate in the tournament.
- Cecil County Chess Championship – As the name suggests, the tournament is organized by the Cecil County chess club, one of the strongest clubs in Delaware. Like the previous entrant, this is another competitive chess tournament with participants from all over the world. You also need to register early enough to ensure you get a slot, as the limited spots are highly sought after.
Chess Shops In Delaware
Finding the right chess shop is integral to growing your skills. You’re generally looking for a shop with new complete sets, replaceable pieces, and repair services.
Fortunately, Delaware has several chess shops with a high reputation in service delivery and product display. Some of the top Delaware chess shops are:
1. Royal Chess Mall LLC
This is one of the top-rated chess hops in the Blue Hen State. It is Located at Claymont, although the company has branches in other places, including outside of the U.S. You will have a wide array of chess pieces. These include luxury handmade pieces made from brass metal, exotic woods, marble, and bone.
You can be sure of the quality of chess sets and pieces made here. Skilled artists do the work with an intricate knowledge of the board game and more than 40 years of practical experience.
2. Tidepool Toys & Games
This Delaware chess shop is located at Fenwick Island. The size of the shop is admittedly small. However, that should not fool you into thinking they don’t have what you need. While small in size, the shop has everything you need to kickstart your chess career. They also house a wide array of other board games, puzzles, crafts, and toys.
3. Days of Knights
This is the one-stop shop for all things dealing with chess in the First State. Whatever you need, this chess shop has you sorted. They are also known for their competitive prices on most chess sets and pieces. The chess shop also has an active game room used to host various chess tournaments and related events.
4. Yesterdays Fun Vintage Toy and games
The shop is situated on Rehoboth Beach and is popular with most chess players in Delaware. They are largely popular for their extensive board game stock. For example, if you break or misplace a chess piece, you can easily fix it or replace it here.
Chess Clubs in Delaware
As formerly mentioned, Delaware is one of the smallest States in the country. Regardless of the size, the Blue Hen State has several chess clubs.
Most of these clubs have social media presence where you can connect with other players. In addition, you will be notified of upcoming events within and beyond the State. A few of the leading chess clubs in the State include;
- Newark Chess Club
- Tri-State Chess Club
- Wilmington Chess Clun
It is also noteworthy to mention that most schools have chess clubs tailored to suit young and developing minds. Whether you are in middle school or a tertiary institution, you are likely to come across a chess club you can easily plug into and enjoy all the perks of playing with other skilled chess players.
If you are based in Delaware and want to get into the chess scene, you are sure to face enough competition to challenge your skills. Moreover, there are numerous learning and training opportunities in the State.
Delaware State shows a lot of promise, as there are a lot of junior chess clubs and groups. These institutions are already producing notable chess players within and beyond the State. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the chess scene in Delaware.
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