Craig recently retired after 20 years at IBM and 22.5 years as Professor at Marist College. Craig has been extremely involved in the Chess World of the Hudson Valley. His activities include being president of the Vassar-Chadwick Chess Club for 20 years and recently accepted the position of vice-President of same. Craig achieved the title of US Chess Expert in the 1990s and he simply loves playing and teaching chess.

Craig teaches two fundamental concepts about the game of chess.

• Playing chess develops a combination of your long-range, strategic thinking and your day-to-day tactical thinking. Both modes of thinking must be used in combination at all times when playing the game.
• When playing chess, Craig’s advice is to “sit on your hands!” You should never assume that there is only one way to move. Brainstorm alternatives and consider that every alternative has its pros and cons. Students learn about the consequences of their decisions.

Craig’s extensive experience, his deep knowledge of the game, and his gentle, unassuming manner is an inspiration for his Chess students, no matter what age or level.

Chess is currently being offered on Tuesdays, 3:30-4:30 pm. The course will continue in winter enrichments. Craig is eager to create and teach two separate courses: one for beginners and another for more experienced learners. His only prerequisite to joining the course is that every student must know how the pieces move. The course is open to students grades 2-8. If you are interested in registering your student in Craig’s Chess enrichment course please follow this link.