We were taking no prisoners

On March 23, members of the Taunton team won second place overall trophies at the 2013 R.I. Scholastic State Championship — a competition that is open to out-of-state players — for both the elementary school division and a fifth- to sixth-grade middle school division.

“Basically, last year when we went into this tournament, we didn’t place at all or win anything,” said chess team coach John Gordon. “But we had the experience this time around. We worked hard this year and it paid off, as we placed second in two divisions. We came in strong to take second place.”

The Taunton Boys & Girls Club chess group competed against 16 others teams, Gordon said. The Taunton team has even developed a rival in Central Falls, R.I., Gordon said.

“We were taking no prisoners,” Gordon said.

The Taunton Boys & Girls Club team has 42 members, Gordon said. They practice every weekday after school for two hours.

Gordon said playing chess has benefited all the kids involved on an intellectual level, and said that it has been especially therapeutic for children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

“The kids are very attentive, and they are very competitive,” Gordon said. “Some have ADHD, but you wouldn’t tell with them. Not here. Because they are able to focus.”

Gordon said the chess team was started under the leadership of former Taunton Boys & Girls Club president Thomas Quigley, who had a vision for a team that could find success at tournaments like the R.I. Scholastic State Championship.

“I love playing chess,” said Eryk Brown, a sixth grade chess team member who attends Martin Middle School. “It’s fun. It helps me with my focus.”

Eight-year-old Jalysa Quinones, of Taunton, said she likes the rules of chess.

“I like it how the little pieces take each other and I like how all the little pieces have a special way of moving,” Quinones said.

Her brother, Darell Avellar, 6, simply said, “It’s fun to win stuff.”

Gordon said the Taunton Boys & Girls Club Chess Team will next compete at the Hebrew Day School Tournament in Providence on April 14. Then, the Taunton chess club will host a competition of its own, the third Boys & Girls Club Open on April 27 at the youth organization’s Court Street headquarters.

“We try to make it fun for the kids,” Gordon said. “With hard work and determination, they are improving. … One of the major things the kids take away from this chess club is leadership, how to compete as a team and good sportsmanship.”