By Nissim Hershkovits
LREI has a new phenomenon on their hands. Luckily for the administration, however, the current school epidemic is chess. If you walk into the library during any given lunch period or x-block you’ll see at least a few games of chess going on. Our librarian, Karyn Silverman, said that it’s “delightful to see everyone playing a great game. I love it!” I also got the chance to sit down with 11th grader Reggi Condos, who some credit with popularizing chess at LREI.
Knightly News: “What draws you to chess?”
Reggi Condos: “I’ve been playing since I was a kid, it was something I would do all the time and I would even compete in tournaments. I just really love the game and how it can be so simple and complicated at the same time.
KN: “How do you think Chess has taken over LREI?”
RC: “Well there’s obviously been a new wave of chess players. The school has actually had to buy new chess boards because so many people are playing. I think it’s great because rather than playing video games or something like that, it’s actually a game that increases your thinking.”
KN: “Who’s the best player in the school you’ve played so far?”
RC: Well, between teachers and students I think Sarvjit is definitely the best in the school. He has a really good understanding of the game and takes a long time to move.”
KN: “Is there anything someone interesting in chess should do?”
RC: “Something you can definitely do is join chess club which I started this year with Nissim and Pierre. It’s every Thursday during X-Block, super low pressure and a great way to work on your skills.”
After interviewing Reggi I went to ask Sarvjit if it’s true that he’s the best in the school. He told me it’s true “unless there’s someone I haven’t played yet.” Regardless of the reasoning, it’s crystal clear that LREI students are enjoying chess and are being encouraged by their peers and faculty to keep on playing.