High school students in Davidson have found a reason to remain quiet in the library and it’s not because they’re afraid to interrupt other kids’ studies.

The game of chess has taken over the Davidson School library every Wednesday afternoon with grades seven to 12 students honing their skills in the game of pawns and kings at a weekly chess club.

“We as a staff decided we wanted to offer a wide range of activities for students,” said Davidson School teacher and chess club instructor Ian Osmond. “We wanted a variety that didn’t include just sports and some things like the drama, the yearbook and now the chess club will add to that. It just gives kids more variety for what our students can do here.”

Osmond said students at the school have demonstrated a lot of enthusiasm towards the chess club since its inception this past November. He said many kids signed up right away, but their numbers each week have fluctuated depending on whether volleyball or basketball games are occurring in the same 3:30 p.m. time slot.

“Whenever students can make it on Wednesdays they like to come out,” he said. “It’s been good. The students are playing at lunch hours too, so obviously it’s catching on.”

The first chess club dates included lessons by Osmond on how to play the game as some students had not touched a bishop or knight before, but once the kids got down the basic moves the club has evolved into more of just a come and play. Osmond said playing the strategy game is giving the kids a good educational experience while also allowing them to have some fun and build relationships along the way.

“This is great for problem solving skills and for being able to see a few moves ahead,” he said. “I think it really builds that critical thinking. I also think it’s great for building camaraderie between opponents and building the skills that you need for playing with etiquette. Chess is a great thing for that.”