Summer Chess Camps Here
The Hamptons Chess Club, which is based at the Bridgehampton School, is offering three weeklong camp sessions of instruction and competition this month, including one at which a grandmaster will take part. The club also will also offer lessons at the Children’s Museum of the East End, provide private coaching, and host its first United States Chess Federation-rated tournaments on Saturdays through Aug. 19. The weeklong camps will include lectures, position analysis, and structured play in addition to competition.
Magesh Panchanathan, who was born in India, is one of the 1,552 chess experts who have attained the grandmaster title. He won the Asian Junior Championship in Sri Lanka, tied for first in the 33rd World Open, and won the Philadelphia Open. He also is said to be one the best chess coaches in the United States.
The three sessions will take place Monday through Friday during the weeks beginning on July 17, 24, and 31 from 9 a.m. to 2 or 2:30 p.m., and Mr. Panchanathan will teach during the week of July 24.
A full week of camp costs $850, with an individual day available for $200. The week that Grandmaster Panchanathan is on hand will cost $1,200, with an individual day at $275.
The U.S.C.F.-rated quad (or four-person) tournaments on Saturdays will run from 1 to 4 p.m. and cost $75.
Group classes for those just starting out will take place at the Children’s Museum of the East End from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays until Aug. 26 and chess prep for beginners will occur from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays until Aug. 24. These classes cost $75 a day, with series passes available for $495.
“Play, learn, and compete” classes will take place at the Children’s Museum on Thursdays from 5:45 to 7 p.m. until Aug. 24. They will include additional activities, such as mini golf, along with pizza and cost $75 per session with an additional hour of chess and play available for an extra $25.
The club charges $150 for a single private lesson, $625 for five lessons, and $990 for a 10-lesson package. Further details are available and registration can be made at hamptonschess.com.