Chess for Wisdom and Wellness - Royal Oak Initiative

Chess for Wisdom and Wellness is coming to the Barnett Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library on Friday, October 30, from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. It's presented by the Royal Oak Initiative, and the whole thing is an introduction to the history, culture, and rules of chess.

If you've never played, this is a good place to start. They'll walk you through the basics—how the pieces move and the rules of the game—but they also touch on the history and culture behind it, so you get a sense of where the game comes from, not just how to play a match. It's a single hour, which is enough to get your bearings without feeling like you're signing up for a full course.

One thing to keep in mind: the session is open to groups, and they've mentioned that groups can call ahead to let them know you're coming. If you're planning to bring a few friends or a whole club, it's probably worth a quick call to the branch beforehand so they can be ready for you.

You'll find it in Meeting Room 1 at the Barnett Branch, 3434 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, OH 43227. It runs from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM on Friday, October 30.