DANC member Tom Bassford says, “During my morning free I come to the café and wake up with DANC; there isn’t anything better.”
Players like Dane Gebauer prefer a more Southern style of play with moves such as the Alabama Legsweep and Mississippi Wraparound. Of course, there are so many other styles that some would rather just freestyle it in a non-competitive way.
Zac definitely has a great passion for the game. “I play chess because I grew up idolizing controversial chess legend Bobby Fischer's Central Park games, as well as my current mentor James Critelli's beautiful insight into the game."
Zac is not the only one in the club with a great passion for spending time with a game board with a lot of black and white plastic pieces. Watching this group in action, one can see everyone either with a huge smile on their face or intently staring at the board to judge the best move.
Yezzi says he started the group “for the love of the game. Why else would you start a chess club?” The club seems to have gained a hard-core group of students with a few who stop by when they can. “We play on Tuesdays from 4-5pm and as often as we can during school,” Yezzi said.
If you’re looking to join this prestigious new club contact Zac Yezzi or just show up to their chess sessions on Tuesdays in room B-319 at 4pm.
Chess is DANC
Taking a Look at DHS's Check Mates
By Chris Shaker - 01/09
NEIRAD enilno edition | printer friendly
When you think of a chess club, whether or not you like stereotyping, you think of a nerdy smart kid with glasses and perhaps acne. Well that’s not the case with DANC, the Darien Association of Non-Competitive Chess.
The members of this fast-growing club are diverse for sure. These members range from sophomores to seniors; from academic superstars such as Brandan Wong to kids who are not necessarily the most GPA-minded bunch of students. Hard core DANC club member Tom Bassford says, “During my morning free I come to the café and wake up with DANC; there isn’t anything better.”
The girls are helping get this group off the ground. Rosie Jacobson, Kaylin Van Sciver and Clare Baldwin are a strong chess force. In fact, Baldwin has maintained an impressive record in her rookie chess season at three wins zero loses. “I’m undefeated what up,” Baldwin said.
The members range in skill and style. Zac Yezzi follows a more Greek Humanist style of play that employs moves like the Cartesian swap and the Pythagorean defense. According to Zac, “The Cartesian Swap is a gentle and subtle move that is often used to set up a massive counterattack on the enemy. It is performed by flipping the king and rook in a majestic maneuver.
"On the other hand, The Pythagorean defense is a classic strategy that involves moving the two palms in the middle of the board one space forward to clear room for a sneak attack involving the bishop and queen on an enemy’s backside.”
A strategic move by President Zac Yezzi
