They are silent soldiers ready for battle at high school libraries throughout the state. Armed with black and white-checked boards, they use hand-size pieces to control the outcome of the game.
Dickinson High School’s chess team was able to capture the Hudson County Chess League title and come in fourth place in the state tournament March 3. The competition, which included 22 of New Jersey’s best high school teams, was held at the Doubletree Inn in Somerset on March 3.
At the tournament, the team members took home four out of six individual trophies in addition to the fourth place team trophy. During the season, they went undefeated, and over the past two years, the team has recorded 10 consecutive wins.
“Chess is part of the extended day program at the school,” team coach Gerrit Bollin said. “They worked hard to be where they are.”
Chess is a marathon of the mind, according to Bollin. Any successful player needs to be gifted, technical and psychologically strong.
Bollin, a math coordinator at the school, said when he first started the team several years ago he had to teach the players the fundamentals of the game. Now, he says, some of the players teach him a move or two.
The chess program was made possible with the support of school Principal Robert Donato, who supplied the team with equipment and areas to practice privately, according to Bollin.
“Our principal was able to give me the things I needed,” Bollin said. “We appreciate all the help.”
Donato said he is proud of the team and looks forward to continued success in the years to come.
“The team performed very well this year,” Donato said.
After this year’s success at the state level, Bollin said he is confident the team can play at the national level. “We are now looking to compete in the national tournament,” Bollin said.
Senior team president Mital Shah said he was proud of the team’s results, this year attributing them to the long hours of practice during the season.
“I expected something like that,” Shah said referring to the state tournament. “We have a great team, and that is what got us through the season.”
For Shah, chess is an avenue to challenge himself and relax his mind.
Senior Muhammed Kazemi has been with the team for two years. He said coming in fourth in the tournament was a big deal for everybody on the team. He enjoys the strategy involved in the game.
“It stimulates the brain,” Kazemi said. “I play for fun and to win.”
Dickinson’s top six players are John Bonito, Nishant Patel, Dhaval Soni, Julio Bryan, Shah and Kazemi.