When it comes to the grand history of board games, the veritable king of the mountain is the so-called “game of kings,” otherwise known the world over as chess.
Combining strategy, timing, concentration, and focus, chess has cemented itself as a popular game for countless generations of players. Joel Salman of Oceanside has made teaching it to children his life’s work, having just completed his first full year teaching chess at the Massapequa Library’s Central Avenue branch.
“This is the third series of the Knights and Queens Chess Club that we’ve done here at the Massapequa Library…the program is going very well. We’ve had some children who have repeated the class, and some that are new…more and more people are getting exposed,” he said. “For the students that have repeated the class, there’s always something different in the material. While I always cover the fundamentals and the basics, I’ll always show them some new material, tricks, tactics, and strategies that they can use. There’s always something new, always a chance to play and enjoy the game.”
Salman brings some impressive credentials to the table. He’s been playing chess for 40 years, having started back at the tender young age of seven.
“I started playing seriously once I got to high school, and I joined various chess clubs and tournaments,” he said. “I eventually became a chess master in 1992, and started teaching full-time a couple of years after that.”
Before becoming a chess teacher, Salman paid the bills as a freelance computer consultant. A tutor when he was in college, he said that he had always enjoyed teaching, and after being asked to work with some children at a chess club he was a part of two decades ago, he quickly realized there might be something to the idea of passing on his chess knowledge. From there, Salman set out to do so professionally, and he said he hasn’t looked back since.
“Chess for children has been really popular for a long time…this is the 20th year that I’ve been teaching chess full-time. It took a while for things to build up, but they’re going great now,” he said.
The Central Avenue branch of the Massapequa Library currently hosts Salman’s classes in three four-week blocks a year; they have proven so popular, in fact, that plans are in place to begin a second series of his classes at the Library’s Bar Harbour branch as well, beginning in October.
Phillip, 11, started playing chess last year, said that Salman’s class, which he is taking for the second time, has helped him to hone his skills considerably.
“This class has definitely helped me when I’m playing chess with other people,” he said. “I think chess is very unique, how they make a game that does not involve any TV screens, but has lots of action and strategy…I truly love playing it.”
Jazz, 12, is an experienced chess player, having started five years ago; she notes that she’s a regular at Salman’s classes, and plans to continue attending them for as long as he runs them.
“I like the class a lot…I’ve taken it several times already, and it’s fun to have people to play chess with, and you’re always learning something new here,” she said.
Eleven-year-old Chris was taught by his father how to play chess when he was five. He has been taking Salman’s classes recently to get even better for when he plays against his dad, he said.
“I learned definitely a lot…I wasn’t that good when I was seven or eight, and I’m much better now, and it’s thanks to this class,” he said. “Chess is very fun and there’s some math in it, and my brain can start working and become full of ideas. I really like it.”
If you’re interested in taking one of Joel Salman’s chess classes, contact the Massapequa Public Library at 516-798-4607.
