National Chess Day 2011

In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford declared the very first National Chess Day, and earlier this year, the United States Senate designated October 8, 2011, as "National Chess Day" to "enhance awareness and encourage students and adults to engage in a game known to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills":

Whereas there are more than 76,000 members of the United States Chess Federation (referred to in this preamble as the ''Federation''), and unknown numbers of additional people in the United States who play the game without joining an official organization;

Whereas approximately 1/2 of the members of the Federation are scholastic members, and many of the scholastic members join by the age of 10;

Whereas the Federation is very supportive of the scholastic programs and sponsors a Certified Chess Coach program that provides the coaches involved in the scholastic programs training and ensures schools and students can have confidence in the programs;

Whereas many studies have linked chess programs to the improvement of student scores in reading and math, as well as improved self-esteem;

Whereas the Federation offers a school curriculum to educators to help incorporate chess into the school curriculum;

Whereas chess is a powerful cognitive learning tool that can be used to successfully enhance reading and math concepts; and

Whereas chess engages students of all learning styles and strengths and promotes problem-solving and higher-level thinking skills: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate (1) designates October 8, 2011, as ''National Chess Day''; and (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe ''National Chess Day'' with appropriate programs and activities.

The United States Chess Federation has additional information about The Origins of National Chess Day, and there is also a web site for NationalChessDay.com.

If you need to learn more about the game, you can check out our Chess pages, as well as our directory of Chess Books and Chess Software to help teach you the game.

We also offer a fine selection of chess supplies such as Chess Sets, Chess Boards, Chess Clocks, Chessmen, and Electronic Chess Games.