WESTFIELD-For two hours on Monday afternoons at the Westfield Senior Center, you can hear a pin drop in the creativity center as chess players of all levels gather to learn and to challenge each other.
Les Hutton, who has led the “Chess with Les” gatherings for several years, is passionate about the game and encourages others to spend an enjoyable afternoon exercising one’s brain.
Les Hutton, on left, ponders a chess move on the afternoon of April 9 at the Westfield Senior Center as his opponent Larry O’Brien concentrates on potential strategic options.
“We are a very friendly group,” said Hutton prior to the start of the 1 p.m. gathering on April 9.
Hutton, who spent 34 years teaching Russian and European History at Westfield State University, started a chess club at Westfield State in the 1970’s. After he retired in 2004, he began volunteering to teach chess in the city schools, including at South Middle School and the Franklin Avenue School.
He started “Chess with Les” at the old senior center and over the years he has seen an increase in persons dropping in after the new center on Noble Street opened.
“We now have eight to nine players,” said Hutton. “They all used to play chess as youngsters and are refreshing their skills. I coach them individually in how to improve their game, if they don’t mind hearing my suggestions as we are playing a game.”
Fred Doherty and Bill Davis enjoy a friendly game of chess April 9 at the Westfield Senior Center.
Larry O’Brien, a longtime friend of Hutton, is among those who block off their schedules Monday afternoons to enjoy the challenge and camaraderie of the group.
“I knew basic moves and Les has taught me a lot of in-depth strategy,” said O’Brien.
Hutton said he was coaxed by childhood friends at the age of 13 to learn to play the game.
“We played chess at each other’s houses and I think they wanted to beat me,” said Hutton, adding it took him two years before he started winning.
Over the years Hutton has studied the game and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others – including featuring a “problem” displayed on a large chess demonstration board prior to the start of each session. Also, Hutton provides chess sets for those learning the game.
“There are many benefits to playing chess,” said Hutton, noting that the game can help one improve memory, concentration, logical thinking and creativity.
At the beginning of each “Chess with Les” session at the Westfield Senior Center, Les Hutton uses a demonstration board to discuss basic principles which all chess players need to know. Fred Doherty, on left, listens intently.
“We do not play competitively,” he said. “You will make friends and learn some basic principles.”
O’Brien concurred.
“Les is an excellent teacher,” said O’Brien. “The games offer a great place to come and learn more about chess.”
For both Fred Doherty and Bill Davis, both new to the Monday gatherings, the experience is a welcome addition to their daily routines.
“I have the time now and have been looking for things to do,” said Doherty. “The chess games are enjoyable.”
Davis echoed those sentiments.
“Most of my time playing chess has been done on the computer,” said Davis. “Attending these games provides a nice social connection.”
