LBCSCL: Chess Alive and Well in Bucks and Montgomery Counties

As students head back to school, often thoughts of Friday night football games and school dances permeate the air. However, if you listen closely, behind the crowds of Friday night or the DJ's subwoofer, you might hear the tapping of a clock or a whispered, "check" as a king is under attack.

Across Bucks and Montgomery counties, the 16 chess playing high schools have begun mastering the skills that might make them champions but more importantly will enrich their high school experiences.

The LBCSCL stands for Lower Bucks County Scholastic Chess League. Though it began years ago in lower Bucks, it has spread into Montgomery County over the last few decades. The LBCSCL features teams from the following high schools: Abington, Cheltenham, Father Judge, Germantown Academy, Hatboro-Horsham, LaSalle, Lower Moreland, North Penn, New Hope Academy, Neshaminy, Pennsbury, Springfield (Montco), Tacony Academy, William Tennent, and Upper Dublin.

The league had a banner season last year. Six teams had players compete at the State tournament in March. Pennsbury won the U1300 State Title. Abington won the U1000 title. Cheltenham, Germantown Academy, and New Hope Academy also were highly competitive and represented the league well. However, the crown jewel of the LBCSCL has to be Lower Moreland. The Lions headed by Gabe Tkach and Chirag Ram have not lost a league game in over 2 years.

Sasha Serebriiskii of Abington won the individual state title for the u1000 division with a perfect 5-0 tournament. "Chess gives us a chance to take individual players and form a team." Abington captain Alexander Veltchev chimed in, "it also helped with the SATs. After staring at a chessboard for a few hours, looking at the test for that long was just another chess game for me. The game teaches focus."

The LBCSCL's vision is to continue bringing the game of chess into schools across Bucks and Montgomery counties. The league features teams at the State and National level, but also has teams just learning how to castle. If you are a player, parent of a player, or affiliated with a school across Bucks or Montgomery counties, please contact LBCSCL for information on how to become involved and bring more high schools across Bucks and Montgomery counties to chess.

For more information please contact: Lbcscl.webs.com or email Varsitychess@gmail.com