Letters from the President — South Dakota Chess Association

Article IV of the Constitution of the South Dakota Chess Association (SDCA) states the purpose of the Association:

The purpose of the SDCA shall be educational and instructional. It will strive to broaden and develop chess as an art and recreational element of culture in South Dakota. The SDCA shall cooperate with schools, colleges, hospitals, military bases, community centers, recreation departments and other groups and institutions in teaching chess, conducting tournaments, and other activities. The SDCA shall disseminate information through its publications and representatives.

There is nothing flashy or profound in this statement. SDCA members undertake actions to support the playing of chess within the state of SD. More specifically we support “over-the-board” chess. For most of its history chess was played between two people meeting over a chess board. Since the early 90’s people have been able to play chess online. This development greatly increased people’s access to chess. Many people enjoy playing chess online—including myself. However, online chess is a different experience from playing an opponent, face-to-face, over a chess board. One can argue which is better. I personally enjoy both. However, online chess is readily available to anyone with a computer and internet connection. Over-the-board chess is much more of a challenge to find and perform. The SDCA is focused on supporting over-the-board chess.

SD is large and sparsely populated. Because of this it’s more difficult for residents to find and meet other people with similar chess skill levels and interests. The SDCA both facilitates these meetings and helps people learn the game. By learning and playing the game one can get a feeling of enjoyment and fulfillment. In addition, chess teaches valuable life-lessons. In order to get better at chess it’s necessary to learn to think further ahead. Actions that are taken with little or faulty thinking typically fail against good opponents. Learning this is valuable for everyone and especially for the young. Losing at chess can be both frustrating and disappointing. There is little enjoyment in losing, but losing also teaches a valuable lesson—again this is particularly true for the young.

If you are a resident of SD you can become a SDCA member simply by joining the United States Chess Federation (USCF). Currently there is also a dues requirement for SDCA membership. However, this requirement ends on 7/1/27 —after which membership is free. The SDCA website, the one that you’re reading this letter on, contains up-to-date information on local chess clubs and chess tournaments in the state. The SDCA sponsors some tournaments and supports other tournaments held in SD that are organized by individuals and other organizations. We also actively support scholastic (players under 19 years of age) chess activities. If you are a SD resident, and want to play chess, this website contains information that will help you find like-minded people and play competitive games. If you have questions, or want to participate in our activities, please contact one of the SDCA board members. Their names and contact information are listed on this website.