NEW TIMES What is the San Luis Obispo Chess Club?

KELLER It’s a group of local people that enjoy chess, organized by myself and Barbara McCaleb of SLO.

 

NEW TIMES Where does the SLO Chess Club meet?

KELLER On Thursday night (6:30 to 9 p.m.) we meet at Carl’s Jr. on Santa Rosa near Foothill Boulevard in San Luis Obispo and on Saturdays (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) in Morro Bay at the big board on the Embarcadero below Dorn’s.

 

NEW TIMES How many members does the club currently have?

KELLER About 20, but we are looking for more! Cal Poly and Cuesta students are completely welcome to join!

 

NEW TIMES I understand that you host tournaments and events all over the Central Coast, including Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Atascadero, and Paso Robles. Do you have any upcoming tournaments or events?

KELLER We just had the county championship in November. The next one will probably be in May.

 

NEW TIMES What are ways to improve your chess skills?

KELLER Play, play, play ... and study with chess.com. Chess.com also has a number of great features to keep in touch with the local chess community and is appropriate for adults and older children.

 

NEW TIMES Who is your favorite historical chess grandmaster?

KELLER: Bobby Fischer.

 

NEW TIMES Which chess piece do you identify with the most?

KELLER I’ve been married a long time, so it would be the pawn.