On Saturday, Nov. 5, in the Cottonwood Ceramics Room (A-8), the first two-hour instructional session will begin at 10 a.m. Each session will cover chess basics, as needed by the group, tactical puzzle practices, and review of Grand Master games.

The Grand Master play segments will be led by Nick Schoonmaker. Nick Schoonmaker is an engineer by profession. He is also a lifelong chess player and has competed in tournaments for 45 years. He earned the United States Chess Federation (USCF) National Master title in 1988, and a few years later, achieved the USCF Life Master title. Highlights of his tournament career include winning the Texas State Championship in 2004 and co-winning the Southern California Open Championship in 2000. His games have appeared in various publications, including Chess Life magazine.

Three other similar sessions will be conducted on the first Saturday of the month: Dec. 3, Jan. 7, and Feb. 4.