Chess program makes its move

An old set of chess pieces and a lesson from his grandmother first introduced Zia Middle School seventh grader Trenton Artalejo to the game. 

His interest followed him from elementary school into middle school, where he now competes as part of Zia’s chess team. This year, students across Las Cruces will have more opportunities to compete as scholastic chess becomes more organized across Las Cruces Public Schools. 

Six middle schools and six high schools are expected to field teams this school year, according to local chess coach Will Barela, who has spent years helping develop programs throughout Las Cruces. Barela said interest in scholastic chess gradually spread as clubs formed at more campuses, eventually leading to a conversation with LCPS activities staff about creating a more organized program. 

Middle school teams will compete five against five, while high school teams will play six against six, with students placed on boards based on skill level. Rather than a single-elimination format, teams will play multiple rounds during district tournaments. 

Barela and fellow chess organizer Ron Farrar have also been visiting clubs to help coaches prepare players and determine team lineups. 

Competition, however, is only part of what Barela wants students to gain from the game. His approach centers on three priorities — family first, school second and chess third. For Trenton, being part of the team has given him another reason to keep playing. 

“You can make friends through it,” Trenton said. “You can learn some new stuff, too. It teaches you strategy.” 

That became especially meaningful when he traveled to Albuquerque for state competition earlier this year. It was his first time away from home without his parents or grandparents, and he remembers the experience largely because of the people he met. 

“It was great,” he said. “I loved being there and I made new friends.” 

Barela met Trenton around that time and said the seventh grader quickly stood out, even when Zia was struggling in competition. 

“He stayed positive. He kept his team up,” Barela said. 

As Barela spent more time working with Zia’s club, he watched Trenton become calmer at the board, ask more detailed questions and pass along what he learned to teammates. 

“He didn’t understand that he was a natural leader,” Barela said. “We started building on the good things that he was doing.” 

Trenton’s mother, Araceli Artalejo, said her son has always enjoyed learning, teaching others and challenging himself. He also participates in jiu-jitsu, which she believes offers some of the same lessons he has found through chess. 

“One of the things I love about both of these sports is that it teaches him how to win gracefully and how to lose gracefully,” Artalejo said. “He just takes that in stride.” 

She also sees value in giving students another way to connect with peers while developing skills away from traditional athletics. 

“It teaches them critical thinking. It teaches them how to think under pressure,” Artalejo said. “It’s not a place where you have to talk a lot in order to be with like-minded individuals.” 

Trenton said matches can get stressful as he studies possible moves and looks for ways to threaten his opponent’s king. Barela said that intensity can be felt across a tournament once play begins. 

“You can feel the intensity. You can feel the pressure,” Barela said. “You can feel the excitement, and you can feel the heartache.” 

Students do not have to compete to participate in school chess clubs. Barela said those who simply want to learn or play recreationally are welcome, while students interested in tournaments can work toward earning a spot on their school team. 

Trenton already knows who he would choose if he could sit across the board from anyone: chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen. 

He is not expecting to win. 

“I think he would just take me in like five moves,” Trenton said. 

Even then, he would want to learn from the experience. His advice for other students interested in giving chess a chance is similarly straightforward. 

“Be yourself and play the game,” he said. “You could even make some friends.”