Here at HVHS we have various clubs, including the chess club which will be sponsored by Mr. Bui this year. Our new sponsor is also new to HV this year, Bui previously taught at Hollins college. He is extremely excited to get to organize this club, the chess club meets on Mondays starting 9-9-2024.
Chess is a fascinating game that blends strategy, critical thinking, and creativity. Joining the chess club exposes you to the opportunity to sharpen your mind, develop critical thinking skills, and engage in friendly competition. It is also an amazing way to meet people who share similar interests with you. The club welcomes all skill levels because there is always room for growth and improvement in skill.
We asked our sponsor, Mr. Bui, a few questions about his history with chess. Mr. Bui first discovered chess when he was a Jr. in high school “The Education Program for Gifted Students,” then he and a few others were transported to a facility where they engaged with each other in all types of settings. One of those settings being set for games that were intended for critical thinking skills. He would use this block of the day to read instead of playing games, however one of his close friends really wanted him to learn to play chess. Bui reluctantly started learning to play out of a book by the name of “How to Play Chess”. After, he bought a board to build his skill. He then became fascinated with tournament play and began to travel to tournaments around his home state. He also shared, “What appeals to me about chess is its twofold beauty: it is both a game of concrete logic and of abstract creativity. Growing up, I was an avid reader and a kid who loved math. I feel that chess gave me an arena to practice both disciplines.”
In his interview he also spoke of what he is looking forward to this year concerning the chess club. As well as what his hopes are for the club as the new sponsor. Bui is looking forward to meeting new players and “building a strong community where friendly competition is the norm.” He stated that, “Competition with peers helps us achieve our greatest levels of skill, so long as said competition is disciplined and friendly.”
His main plan is to facilitate enriching competition. He also plans to provide lessons on tactics, endgame strategies, chess history, and chess analysis. “My goals and ambitions will have to be amended according to the things I find out as the year goes on.”
