Peter Croce wasn’t the stereotypical chess player in high school and college. He was a two-time basketball state champion, and also played professional baseball.
But there’s something about the game of chess that drew him to the table.
“The secret is to work hard,” he said last week in Hoboken’s Church Square Park. “It’s not hard work like ripping up concrete, but more like opening a book and reading, and then going out and competing.”
Croce now operates the Hudson County Chess Club to teach children all across the county how to play chess.
Croce began teaching chess and established his own academy approximately 11 years ago.
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Croce operates chess clubs out of Newport in Jersey City, Edgewater, Hoboken, Weehawken, and Bayonne. He was born in Union City but says his family has roots in Hoboken.
For the kids
The best time to teach a child how to play chess is between the ages of 3 and 5, he said.
Croce said he learned from experience that the age of your opponent is almost never the deciding factor while playing a game of chess.
“Before I started to really play, I went to a club and played against a young girl,” he said. “And she whooped me. So, I started to read more about chess.”
As it turns out, he was pretty good.
Croce began teaching chess and established his own academy approximately 11 years ago.
“Hudson County doesn’t have a whole lot of chess,” he said. “I think every school should have a chess club. I encourage younger kids to play.”
Croce said in addition to teaching children, he also holds beginners’ events and even hosts nights tailored toward specific groups such as womens’ or kids’ events.
A champ himself
In addition to coaching, Croce still competes in tournaments.
Croce said he travelled to Philadelphia, Pa. recently to compete in the Chess World Open. He needed sponsors, so he reached out to parents of his students, who were happy to help.
“The games were five hours long and the tournament went for four days,” Croce said. “It was like the world series of chess.”
Croce has emerged as somewhat of a chess hero in Hoboken, culminating when then-Mayor David Roberts named the chess tables in Church Square Park after him in 2005.
“I just have a passion for it,” Croce said. “I’m very proud of what I’ve done in Hudson County.”
Croce said during the school year, Church Square Park in Hoboken is packed with children playing chess.
“If the pieces are out, it means Peter Croce is here,” he said.
Croce said he saw the dynamic chess scene in New York City and wanted to bring it across the river to Hudson County. He has hosted events for National Night Out, the Hoboken Public Library, the recreation centers throughout Hudson County, the Hoboken Family Alliance, and the Boys and Girls Club.
Now a certified tournament director, Croce will be host a tournament on Sept. 18 in Hoboken. The location has not yet been finalized. Croce said there will even be a clinic at the event for people that don’t know how to play. For the competitive players, there will be different sections depending on skill levels.
For more information about the tournament or the Hudson County Chess Club, log onto HudsonCountyChess.tripod.com.
Ray Smith may be reached at RSmith@hudsonreporter.com