By: Ramon Graupera

For Chess team coach Mr. Eliot Weiss, COVID did not really affect his program much.

“It just delayed it, and delayed us from going to tournaments,” said the coach, who is entering his 41st year as team advisor. “The team members could still play online or at home throughout remote learning but this is not the same.”

That may be some good news for the club as they get ready for the  2022 National High School Chess Championship on April 8-10 in Memphis, Tennessee.

“I think team chemistry is actually very important, good chemistry with our teammates means we can help each other with our games, or looking over old games to spot mistakes and grow from them,” said Joey Zang, a junior and the captain of the team. 

The team’s most recent opportunity to play at an in-person national tournament was in Schaumburg, Illinois in 2019, a month after tie-breaks forced the team to miss first place standing in the New York State championship. There hasn’t been an in-person national championship since. 

The Murrow chess team has been around since 1981 with Mr. Weiss coaching every year from the start. Over the years the team has won eight national championships, 15 state titles and 16 city championships.

“My greatest accomplishment is getting as many students into chess as possible,” said Mr. Weiss, “I’m looking forward to the team we have now. Hopefully no tournaments will be canceled, and we’ll be able to attend.” 

Under the leadership of Mr. Weiss chess in the Murrow tradition has always been a team sport. Attending after-school sessions and traveling to tournaments with friends all enhance the pleasure of the game. 

“The most important skill to have in chess is patience,” Zang said. “I think it’s best to play slow and have time to think about each and every move.”

Fortunately for this reunited team, Mr. Weiss brings more than 40 years of experience in team chemistry and patience. The Murrow team will be in good hands with the support and stamina of their coach when they finally travel again to compete in the championship. 

“If we play too fast and miss tactics there is no point in playing chess,” said Zang.