Numb3rs – Checkmate.

Tomorrow’s (April 11, 2008) episode of Numb3rs will have a chess theme to it. From SpoilerTV -

“An imprisoned gang leader is suspected of passing secret instructions to a teen chess prodigy about which gang members should be killed. Don investigates and crosses paths with a former flame, Robin Brooks, he suspects is leaking information. Also, Charlie goes through FBI training to learn how to protect himself.”

Spoiler TV website.

Outdoor Chess Brings New Game to Recess.

By Lisa Chamoff – Staff Writer, Stamford Advocate

NORWALK – Dozens of Sixth-graders spilled out of the Ponus Ridge Middle School cafeteria yesterday afternoon, shouting and laughing as they grabbed basketballs from a large mesh bag, and ran off to play quick games after lunch.

Nearby, James McLaughlin stood quietly among massive pawns, rooks, knights and bishops, pondering his next move.

The finals of Ponus Ridge’s annual chess tournament were played for the first time outdoors, on a giant yellow and blue chessboard that was painted on the ground in December.

The idea was to give those students who aren’t into sports something productive to do outside during recess, said Nancy Fuzesi, a school social worker who organizes the annual tournament and advises the chess club. Normally, kids would bring their lunches to the library and play during the 35-minute period.

About 80 students have been competing in the tournament over the last three weeks, and yesterday’s games determined the winners of the sixth, seventh and eighth grades. The winners will then play each other.

“I love games that are challenging and deal with strategy, and chess is the perfect game for that,” said sixth-grader Ali Munchi as he ate his sandwich after beating classmate Ryan Harris. “It helps you plan out. It helps you think better.”

Part of Fuzesi’s strategy was to get fellow students to cheer their friends on. It worked – a large group of sixth-graders gathered to watch the match between James and Ryan.

Hanna Kahlert said she preferred watching chess at recess to playing sports.”It’s more organized, and you’re not worrying about people crashing into you,” Hanna said.

The tournament attracts an array of students, Fuzesi said, referring to eighth-grader Chris Jerome, who also is a talented football player.

“It’s great to see him play,” she said.

Unfortunately, only one tournament player was female, Fuzesi said.

Fuzesi said she always has been passionate about chess and feels it benefits the students who are also enthusiastic. Teachers agree and are somewhat lenient about students coming late to class if a game runs longer than expected.

“I believe it helps kids focus,” Fuzesi said. “I think more and more schools are seeing the impact chess can have on all learning.”

Original story here.

TBS Pathfinders Award for Education – Orrin Hudson.

Be Someone Website.