Purpose
Graves County Chess is a new academic club with a primary purpose to have fun by using the mind.
Goal
The ultimate goal of Mr. Knight is to see students at all levels, K-12, competing at the state level and attending college with the help of chess experience and scholarships.
Current Clubs
There are currently 2 club groups in Graves County Schools: older students (middle/high) meet at the high school and the elementary students meet at Central. Travel to Central Elementary can be made available by contacting me.
In club competitions are often organized by club members and are encouraged. Competition standards and rules are directly modeled from the United States Chess Federation (USCF).
Graves County Chess seeks affiliation with the USCF. The USCF requires membership for the establishment of personal ratings. Mr. Knight is currently an active member of the USCF, and is always seeking to improve his own rating by competing in tournaments throughout the United States. To date only one students has ever joined the USCF, and he graduated in Spring of 2011.
If a student joins the USCF they may compete at any USFC rated tournament anyway in the nation. This is particularly encouraged for vacation times (breaks, long weekends, summer).
Events
Limitations to Rated Competition
It costs money. Yearly members and then competition entry costs. Travel expenses are a very heavy burden at this time. As an individual student you should join the USCF and enter competitions. You do not have to represent Graves County.
Chess Parents
Due to the nature of new school organizations, costs are always a limiting factor. If you are willing to lend your very precious time to Graves County Chess, we may be able to make a sustainable Team. Creation of a Chess Team Booster club may be possible with your support.
Sponsor Information
Mr. Knight started the chess club as a leadership project for a new teacher internship called KTIP. The club maintains a constant number of members of less than 20, but this number changes often. Mr. Knight tries to "practice what he preaches" and is a member of the Paducah Chess club that meets for playing, stragegy, and tournament trips at Etcetra Coffee Shop in the Down Town Arts District. Mr. Knight encourages all of his students and members to attend this informal meeting. This club meets every Saturday and game play lasts between mid-morning to the early afternoon.
Mr. Knight was educated in the game of chess by his late grandfather by the same name his other grandfather and dad. He plays for fun, but still enjoys the competition of tournaments.
