FREE "Beginner" Link and Downloads:  
      
        New players are encouraged to use the free "Learn To Play" link (at left) and print out the download "Chess Basics for New Players," as well as various "tutorials".  Players may enroll in the Saturday Morning Chess Club (below) when they know how all the pieces move.  The SMCC will take a new player with the basic moves into beginning strategy, and beyond.  

     

CLASS TUITION AND FEES 
(for membership information see "Membership" page)

New Player Evaluation & Introductory Lesson:
(Saturdays 12-4 PM by appointment only): 
     Free with Membership (non-members $20)      Call to schedule.  
 
Saturday Morning Chess Club   10:00 - 11:45 AM:
 
       Drop-In $20/evaluation & class session  (members $15) 
        One Season Pass:  $100 (members only) - save $80 or more
        Two Season Pass:  $180          Full Year (Three Season) Pass:  $250

        Summer 2009: May 16, 23, 30, June 06, 13, 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25, Aug. 01, 08, 15
          
        Fall 2009: Sept. 05, 12, 19, 26, Oct. 03, 10, 17, 31, Nov. 07, 14, 21, Dec. 05, 12 
          
        *Wint/Spring 2010: Jan. 16, 23, 30, Feb. 06, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 06, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 03, 10, 17, 24
                 *(Two of these dates will be deleted when tournaments and vacations are determined)

        SMCC - Family One Season Pass:  $150
                       Family Two Season Pass:  $275  
                       Family Full Year Pass:  $400

      The Saturday Morning Chess Club (SMCC) is also held at Lakeforest Mall (LFM), in Gaithersburg.  SMCC is open to Center members, both children and adults (Membership Application ).   Payment is due at the beginning of each seasonal session, or may be made (in advance) for one, two, or three full seasons for a significant savings (registration form below ). 
     Each class consists of individual and/or group instruction and practice.  Students will create a "Chess Journal" (a loose-leaf binder to keep the printed lesson notes and other instructional materials in).  Instruction is individually tailored to each student's level of experience from beginners through experienced tournament players. It includes everything from basic concepts and tactics through analysis, computer use and tournament strategy.  Outside assignments and study are available to those who are motivated, including reduced registration at the on-line Chess Magnet School (below).  
     All Season-Pass holders will get free entry in the Ladder Tournament for that season. For maximum benefit, parents should plan for children to spend an hour, or more, per class session.  Parents need not stay in the food court during the club session but are welcome to do so.  Parents are requested not to remain directly in the chess area during the club session unless enrolled as a student or volunteering as a club aide under club guidelines.   

  Each season includes ten classes and several make-ups. Due to our discounted rates, there are no refunds for missed classes, but all students may come to the extra classes. Students may register at any time and those who register with fewer than ten classes remaining in a season will receive a pro-rated tuition rate. However, students  are welcome to remain after SMCC for practice during the regular LFM chess club and ladder tournament play, if they wish.  The regular LFM club meets even when there is no SMCC.  Unlimited free-play is available to all students, seven-days-a-week at Lakeforest Mall (we suggest you bring your own set and board). 
   

            Individual Lessons
                                     (Not recommended for new beginners)

1 or 2 students, children or adults:

     Mon.-Thu. 6:00 PM & 7:00 PM by appointment only

     Levels 4-8  $40/60 min. session ( 4 lessons $140 )
     Levels 9-12   $60/90 min. session ( 4 lessons $200 )

     Levels 13-18*  $70/90 min. session ( 4 lessons $240 ) *when available

    Contact Programs@chesscenter.net for details, questions, or to schedule a lesson.




Individual E-mail Lessons (children or adults):

     Levels 1-12 (USCF 100 - 1200)   $40/2 games ( non-members $50)
 
     Student plays two complete games (one as White, one as Black) with instructor via E-mail or using the MD Chess Association "virtual web board."  Relaxed play (one move every few days) is perfect for those with busy schedules.  Ongoing analysis combines with a final printed version of the game (complete with diagrams) for a lasting record.
    Contact Programs@chesscenter.net for details, questions, or to arrange an E-mail lesson.

Individual Game Analysis (children or adults):

     Levels 1-12 (USCF 100 - 1200) $35/game ( non-members $45)
  
     Coach Pancoast thoroughly analyzes any submitted game, returning to you a final printed version of the game with comments, variations, and diagrams, for your continued study and a lasting record.  Submit game, with payment by check, to the C&O Family Chess Center, Attention: Game Analysis, 217 West Diamond Ave., Gaithersburg, MD  20877-2106.  Be sure to include your return address.  Allow two - three weeks for completed analysis.

               The Chess Magnet School (CMS)
                    (inter-active on-line lessons in C&O classes )

C&O Family Chess Center currently offers one initial class group.  We receive no money from this program, but it is very useful if students are taking lessons or classes with us.  While it is not necessary to register through the center there are several benefits to doing so, especially if you are enrolled in one of our programs.  The regular rate is $29.95. When registering in the C&O class the cost is only $25 (USCF members only $22).  Students have access to over 150 lessons and other activities (which supplement our classroom materials and instruction) including unlimited play against a computer-chess engine.  Our coaches will have access to your CMS records and can direct you to specific exercises and areas of study if you ask.  Progress on CMS lessons and evaluations may translate into rating points on your club rating.   

All students qualify for a 30-day free trial and may sign up at the CMS website (below). When prompted for your name and E-mail you will also be asked if you want to join a class.  You must enter our class password, which is [ press64 ] (do not enter the brackets).  We will let you know when your free trial is over and you may pay the annual fee to the chess center.  That is the only way to receive your discounts and enter our class. DO NOT PAY ON-LINE directly to CMS.

                            Chess Magnet School Registration