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Clarion University conducts chess tournament

August 28, 2015

Clarion University conducted Clarion Chess Buzz Aug. 8.

Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., it was well-attended by western Pennsylvanians. Participants ranged in age from pre-K students through senior citizens.

"Studies show that people who engage in brain-stretching activities like chess are less likely to suffer from dementia," said Vasudeva Rao Aravind, Ph.D., and assistant professor of physics at Clarion. "Playing games of chess helps people across all age groups."

The tournament had four rounds of games, each lasting 90 minutes or less. Every player had 45 minutes to make his or her moves.

Aravind noted chess has been proven to help the memory, promote creativity and refine problem-solving skills.

"A chess game is like a series of big puzzles that needs solving on the go, since your opponent is constantly trying to outsmart you. Chess exercises muscles in the brain. Most importantly, chess is a lot of fun," he said.

Winners in various sections were awarded trophies: Joseph Mucerino of Douglassville; John Caligure, Jason Smith and Richard Latta of Punxsutawney; Michael Fritsch of Brookville; Cole Anderson of Venus; and Abby Fritsch of Rocky Mount, N.C.

Last Updated 1/11/21