Ok, being new to the game and having really learned in online chess, I feel like I want to persue live chess more. I am looking for a local chess club or other way to play. Having never done this I am not certain where to start looking or if I would need to/should join any organizations. Would it be need get a membership to USCF or just my local Louisiana Chess Association, or should I not bother. Does my skill level effect where I should look? I am ranked 1750 on chess.com right now. Any advice would be helpful.
First, I commend you for seeking out a face-to-face chess experience. I find it very enriching myself--the thump of the pieces, whacking the clock...the sensory element alone is worth the trip.
Anyway, a good place to start is this list (http://main.uschess.org/component/option,com_wrapper/Itemid,198/) of USCF-affiliated clubs in Louisiana. What's listed here are the larger clubs--looks like the larger cities are pretty well covered. There's also a list (not entirely overlapping) at http://www.louisianachess.org/clubs.htm.
While each chess club may have its own rules, I'd wager you can just show up and play. The club I play with here in CT meets twice a week in bookstores, and often we play against people who just walk over and request a game. You will have to join the USCF (and potentially your state's federation) if you want to play in a rated tournament; but if you just want to push some wood, I'd say you should just walk in, introduce yourself, and sit down. Have fun!
Who would have suspected you'd find Latin geeks on a chess site?
The joys of conjugating . . . even better than learning openings!
Brilliant... simply brilliant.
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