In Blaine at the 2011 Washington State High School Chess Team Championships, Lakeside and Interlake tied for the title after five rounds. Overtime, to determine the State Championship, was a five-on-five speed chess playoff, each player having three minutes on the clock (with a two second delay). The photo above taken right at the start of the playoff. (Photo courtesy of Barry Hanson.) (More Chess State photos.)

Welcome! This website is a volunteer effort to share information regarding chess playing and learning opportunities for youth in Northwest Washington and beyond.

Checkmate! video from KVOS-TV ENW with Deb Slater (allow pop-ups).

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From Joanna at Neighborhood-Kids.com: Chess Season in the Northwest. An introduction to organized youth chess in Northwest Washington. Also from Joanna: Considerations Before Competing. If you're thinking about a tournament, here are some considerations.

Bellingham Herald - The Game of Kings is the new King of Cool - Photos
Skagit Valley Herald - State's Best come to Burlington

Ask Dr. Chess column -- "Please describe the current dimensions of the scholastic chess world and the status of extracurricular chess in Northwest primary and secondary education."

Chess Openings 101: Need further persuasion? Here it is. Turn on your speakers, we have compelling oratorical virtuosity reminding us: Don't Mess With The Sicilian.

Photos: Elementary State - Chess F.E.S.T. - High School State - Whatcom Championships

Practice chess against the Little Chess Partner! Or against The Brain, and watch it think as it ponders each move. You'll need a Java-enabled browser. Can you beat The Brain?

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1,135 kids playing chess at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden.
Chess -- as big as you think!