National Chess Day is Saturday!

National Chess Day! Former U.S. President Gerald Ford announced and designated National Chess Day on October 9, 1976.

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38th President of the United States: Gerald Ford

The purpose of the recognition was to encourage individuals and groups on this day to engage in a game of chess to help enhance ones critical thinking skills. 

Here is a great quote by former President Gerald Ford:

"For both professionals and amateurs, chess is a game that sharpens the mind, tests human faculties and encourages healthy competition. It has captivated the attention of players and spectators world-wide and will continue to do so as long as competition and excellence challenge mankind."

Since that time, National Chess Day is observed on the second Saturday in October by serious and casual chess players of all ages. The United States Chess Federation has over 90,000 members, and it is estimated that there are 600 million chess players worldwide. So join the fun on National Chess Day playing the world's most popular game!

Ways to enjoy National Chess Day on ChessKid?

  1. Play a game online in one of our tournaments. Kids: Join the ChessKid Official Club first. We've got National Chess Day Tournaments running all day long! 6am ET, 8am ET, 10am ET, 1pm ET, 3pm ET, 5pm ET, 7pm ET
  2. Play a game against one of our Robots.
  3. Solve chess puzzles.
  4. Try out our Vision Trainer.
  5. Take a chess lesson.
  6. Watch chess videos.

Ways to support chess in your community on National Chess Day?

The United States Chess Federation wants to encourage you to celebrate National Chess Day and consider making a charitable contribution to the USCF by supporting one of its initiatives such as: At Risk Youth, Women in Chess, online programs and education, and others. You can also support a local chess organization that continues to find ways to bring chess to your community.

Mark your calendars for the second Saturday of October and login to ChessKid.com to show your support for National Chess Day!