One of the interesting aspects of the game of chess is observing games played between two strong opponents. And while correspondence chess has tremendous value in itself; nothing compares to looking at games played with shorter time controls. Observing how strong players are able to think, as well as create, an entire game within the space of a few short hours is not only educational; it is also impressive.

Each week, between the end of August and through November, some of the best chess players in the United States gather at locations throughout the country and play one another over the Internet. These are not just individual games. These players are part of teams which represent some of the busiest chess cities in the country. These teams compete head-to-head, with each game being part of a match between two teams. Sometimes they draw; but often, there are winners and losers.

The United States Chess League offers a weekly glimpse into the chess minds of some of today's biggest chess stars: Hikaru Nakamura; Yury Shulman; Ben Finegold; Larry Christiansen; Varuzhan Akobian; and Alex Lenderman. But it just isn't the top GMs that play. Many rising chess stars are also part of the league: Sam Shankland and David Adelberg are just two of the many who come to mind. Also, many staff members of Chess.com (who are also titled players) are part of the league, including Daniel Rensch and David Pruess.

Being outside of the U.S.C.L., the league offers an alternative format for today's American chess players to compete; have fun, and even win some prizes. A quick search of the internet will provide one with many links to blogs and sites dedicated to the league. Here on Chess.com, there is a group dedicated to supporting the league as well as the players, while promoting awareness of it: The United States Chess League group. The group is open to everyone, and many of the group members are players and managers of the league. So if you are looking to know more about this exciting alternative to typical tournament and match play, feel free to stop by and join up! The administration are hard at work, offering group activities that challenge members to learn while having fun.

Ontonagon Chess Club

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