In this piece, we’ll be taking a closer look at the chess scene in Kansas. Highlighting all the resources, facilities, clubs, and shops you’ll find in the state to help you as you make your journey towards better, more enjoyable chess.
While the game of chess has its roots in ancient Persia. It has shown a remarkable ability to appeal to a global audience, as evidenced by its massive popularity worldwide today.
Millions of people of all ages, religions, races, and socio-economic backgrounds enjoy playing the game, whether casually or competitively.
America is one of the places where chess has found widespread success. In every city and state across the United States, you’ll find plenty of communities, clubs, associations, and groups dedicated to chess and brought together by their passion for it.
In recent times, the game has seen a surge in popularity as more and more people become aware of the many benefits taking up chess can have on a person. Such effects include increased cognitive function, enhanced strategic thinking abilities, increased attention span, better social skills, and more.
Chess in Kansas
Kansas is a midwestern state named after the Kansas River that runs through it and which is unofficially referred to as the Sunflower State.
As part of America’s heartland, it saw its first European influence in 1541, when the Spanish explorer and conquistador Francisco Vazquez de Coronado appeared on the scene.
It may be safely said that the first game of chess was brought to this land by these Early settlers. And Kansas has proven to be a fertile place for the game to grow for the hundreds of years that have passed since then. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chess veteran, you can be sure that Kansas has plenty of opportunities on offer.
Exceptional Chess Players in Kansas
The Kansas chess scene is filled with exceptional chess players. You will find people of all backgrounds and levels here for you to play against. Whether casually or competitively. You will also find many experts willing to offer tutoring sessions if you wish to learn or sharpen your game.
Even as new players arrive on the chess scene every day. The official register of professional chess players in the United States states that there are more than 200 expert-rated players in Kansas.
These include noted National Grandmasters such as Conrad Holt, Timur Gareyev, Joey Michael Kelly, Jack Easton, Lyumyla A. Mokrak, Sheena Zeng, Joey Michael Kelly, and Candidate Grandmaster Sho Glasshausser.
If you wish to learn more about the top players in Kansas, you can check out their official rankings on the United States Chess Federation website.
Chess Clubs in Kansas
If you want to play chess against a fellow chess enthusiast in Kansas on a regular basis, then your best bet is to join one of the numerous chess clubs and associations to be found in the state. If you’re ever in Kansas, check out any of these clubs to get your chess fix.
Midwest Chess Academy:
This club is dedicated to teaching younger generations about the game of chess. And trying to see that they enjoy the benefits of the game. They offer group and individual lessons, online tutoring, chess exhibitions, tournament hosting, game annotations, and more. The club believes that a systemic approach to teaching chess is the key to achieving effective results.
The KU Chess Club:
This club was set up with the objective of increasing the uptake of chess among the university and the broader community. Meetings are held every Wednesday from 7 pm to 10 pm. As part o their efforts to introduce as many people to chess and its benefits as possible. They welcome any public members to attend their meetings. Whatever your skill level, you will be provided with the opportunity to participate with your fellow chess enthusiasts.
Kansas Chess:
This association was set up with the aim of cultivating a healthy chess culture in the communities that make up the state by providing moderated chess discussions, tips, notifications, and other chess-related information to its members.
Even though it only operates on Facebook, it has proven itself to be an effective advocate of the game. And has helped spread the gospel of chess to thousands of people in Kansas and beyond.
Anatoly Karpov International School of Chess:
If you are a fan of chess, then you will undoubtedly have heard of Anatoly Karpov. One of the most successful chess Grandmasters of all time.
Karpov is the winner of multiple world championships. He’s author of numerous popular books on the subjects of chess and life. And an internationally celebrated ambassador for the game of chess.
It was Karpov that founded this chess club. Which is located in Lindsborg, Kansas.
Chess Events and Tournaments in Kansas
The Kansas chess scene is always buzzing with activity.
Chess clubs, societies, and associations constantly organize tournaments, meetups, conventions, exhibitions, and matchups. Because different organizations will hold their events on different dates of the year.
The best way to find out where a chess event will be taking place is to visit the relevant organization’s website or their premises. A great general resource is the Kansas Chess Association’s official website.
Chess Shops in Kansas
Chess, just like any other endeavor in life, requires the right tools if you want to do the job right.
Luckily for chess lovers, you don’t need very much to enjoy your favorite game. Even so, you want to get the best quality equipment possible at the best prices and with the widest variety of options for you to choose from.
Here’s a quick look at some of the best places to get all the chess equipment you could ever need:
Tabletop Game and Hobby:
Located in Overland Park, Kansas. The TableTop Game and Hobby store has been a landmark of the town. Serving its residents for many decades of its operation.
Even though it started from humble beginnings. It has grown to stock a vast array of board and tabletop games of all kinds. From Backgammon all the way to tiddly winks.
Mission: Board Game:
In Mission, Kansas, the go-to place for all things game related is Mission: Board Games. This is a shop dedicated to board games of all types. But it is particularly well known for its selection of chess boards and related items.
Huscarl Hobbies and Games:
This outlet is located in Topeka, Kansas. It is famous as a spot where lovers of board games could meet up to purchase board games of all types. They can play against one another, and generally enjoy the company of other people who enjoy the same hobbies as they do.
Hero Complex Games and Entertainment:
Should you find yourself in Wichita, Kansas, then the place for you to head over to is the Hero Complex. Should you be in the market for any tabletop gaming products, then this should be considered. A recent facebook update though did indicate that the store may well be closing down..
Game Nut Entertainment:
Residents of Lawrence, Kansas, can head over to Game Nut Entertainment to satisfy their gaming needs. As the name suggests, this is a paradise for all game nuts out there. It has a vast inventory of game-related products.
Whether you’re looking for a cheap chess set. Or something more extravagant that will be mainly for display purposes. They are ready, willing, and able to get you sorted out.
The Dragon’s Hoard:
Another great location to pay a visit to in Lawrence, Kansas, is the Dragon’s Hoard. This place was created by people with a passion for tabletop games. With the specific intention of providing a spacious, welcoming environment for people with similar passions, and it has been very successful in their pursuit. If you’re ever in the area, be sure this is on your itinerary.
Final Thoughts on Chess in Kansas
The internet age has transformed the way we work, play, socialize, learn, do business, and communicate.
How we play chess has not escaped the influence of global connectivity. Which has contributed to the renewed interest in chess and the massive increase in players worldwide.
The fact that you only need an internet connection and a smartphone to immediately connect with chess players like yourself from anywhere in the world is an incredible development.
Even so, players still enjoy playing physical chess with one another. Many believe this is the most effective, challenging, and rewarding way to play the game.
Whether you’re a permanent resident or a visitor to the state. You can be sure that Kansas has all the facilities, resources, and people you could hope to find when learning, practicing or competing in chess.
If you’re still unsure of where to begin your Kansas chess journey. In that case, you can start by checking out any one of the various online resources available to you. Such as the International Chess Federation(FIDE), The United States Chess Federation, The Kansas Scholastic Chess Association (Facebook), The Kansas Scholastic Chess Association, and The Kansas Chess Association.
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