Homeroom period at Delbarton is a time of great learning, studying, and homework-doing. Students use this time with great efficiency to complete papers, cram assignments, and definitely not play mobile games. However, on certain Wednesdays in November, many students used this precious Home Room Period to do something a bit different: chess.

The Delbarton Chess Tournament, presented by the Chess Club, took place from November 3 to November 23. Hosted over chess.com, Delbarton students were able to climb the rankings and destroy friendships by strategically moving pieces on an 8 by 8 board. Many exciting events occured throughout the tournament, and in the end, three contestants stood above the rest. Here are a few of those stories.

The contest was organized by Merric Hu, Edward Malhan, and Mr. Jamie Paris, all leaders of the Delbarton chess club. Edward won all four rounds he played and went on to become one of the overall champions. Merric Hu, a “national master” in chess and ranked top 20 in his age group, won four games.  Mr. Paris, as club moderator, chose not to participate.

Joining Malhan (nicknamed “Kings4Lunch”) at the top are Michael Xu (“MikeX50”), Merric Hu and Lex Banker (“LBANK”).  

The Delbarton Chess tournament enjoyed many participants and celebrated the victors.  In the end, gift card prizes were awarded to the winners, and the rankings were published on the Chess Club Schoology page. The organizers have not yet said whether or not there will be another tournament next year. For the sake of good fun, camaraderie, and interesting anecdotes, we hope there will be.