Check it Out, Mate Masonic Village's Chess Club

Check it Out, Mate:

MASONIC VILLAGE’S CHESS CLUB

If life’s a game, then Walter Pankoe has spent the last 50 years mastering it. Walter, a resident at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, has a passion for playing chess, and now he’s sharing this enthusiasm with others.

“When I came here, I wanted to find someone to play chess with. I thought there’s got to be somebody on campus who wants to play or maybe someone interested in learning more about the game,” Walter said. “We could learn more together, so I started the Checkmate Club.”

The club, which initially began this past June, currently has around six members, all eager to practice and play. The group meets most Friday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. in the Brown Building Apartment basement recreation room.

“It’s been working out very well so far. We pit each other against one another and play. We play at all different levels, but we’re learning from each other as we go,” Walter said.

Walter said there are many “little nuances” to the game of chess that can be intimidating for beginners. However, it’s more important to learn the basics of the game first, which are taught at the Checkmate Club. Whether it’s regular play or competitive play, Walter said chess gives people a challenge. He said the game provides many benefits, especially for older minds.

“It’s a kind of game that requires critical thinking. You have to think three to five moves ahead of what you’re going to do and know what your opponent might do. It’s very good for older people to get into because it constantly stimulates your mind,” Walter said.

Walter added that chess also improves one’s reasoning, planning and memory.

Due to its benefits, Walter encourages any interested residents to consider coming out to a club meeting, even if they’ve never played chess before.

“We would like to see more ladies, as well as more gentlemen come,” Walter said. “We’ll teach you how to play. Anyone’s welcome to come anytime. Maybe you just want to watch. Perhaps then you’ll end up wanting to join us.”

Those interested in playing may contact Walter.

“Once you get the basics down, it’s just a matter of playing the game,” Walter said. “Every game is different, though, no matter how many times you play it. That’s what makes chess so exciting.”

Paul Weaver

By Katy Shero, public relations associate/intern

As the club continues to gain traction and interest grows, Walter said he has a lot of big plans for its future.

“More or less, we play for fun right now. In the future, I’d like to eventually form a tournament on campus, and hopefully we can have prizes,” he said.

The Bowman’s Wedding Photo From 1949 Walter Pankoe

Good Sports

On the court, on the ice, in the gym or wherever their activity of choice takes them, Masonic Village residents have found great success with team and individual wellness opportunities. Their energy, passion and enthusiasm has taken them to national championships and professional level competitions, and helped them achieve personal goals and learn life lessons. Their experiences motivate and inspire others to continue to strive for a healthy, active lifestyle and to live well.