Elizabeth Hendrickson/MDN A dad and his son play chess together at Minot Public Library’s Chess Club.

Minot Public Library’s Chess Club is about to celebrate its one-year anniversary.

The club formed last April and since then its members meet twice a month on the first and third Tuesday from 6-7 p.m,” according to Emily Ostlund, the club’s leader.

Varying in all ages, members are able to play against one another, learning new strategies and making new friends along the way.

The club is open to beginners who want to expand their knowledge of chess. The club only asks that members learn how each piece moves so the club is able to focus on strategies and different moves.

Although the club has only been around for a year, the interest in chess among students began before that time.

“When the pandemic started, the library and schools started to notice students taking an extra interest in chess. Teachers even had to start blocking online chess websites as students were logging on and playing chess while at school.” Ostlund said.

To register for the Chess Club contact the Minot Public Library.