NEW TIMES: What is the San Luis Obispo Chess Club?
KELLER: It’s a group of local people that enjoy chess, organized by myself and Barbara McCaleb of SLO.
NEW TIMES: Where does the SLO Chess Club meet?
KELLER: On Thursday night (6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.) we meet at Carl’s Jr. on Santa Rosa near Foothill Blvd. in San Luis Obispo and on Saturdays (10 a.m. -2 p.m.) in Morro Bay at the big board on the Embarcadero below Dorn’s.
NEW TIMES: How many members does the SLO Chess Club currently have?
KELLER: About 20, but we are looking for more! Cal Poly and Cuesta students are completely welcome to join!
NEW TIMES: I understand that you host tournaments and events all over the Central Coast including Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Atascadero, and Paso Robles. Do you have any upcoming tournaments or events?
KELLER: We just had the county championship in November. The next one will probably be in May.
NEW TIMES: What are ways to improve your chess skills?
KELLER: Play, play, play…and study with chess.com. Chess.com also has a number of great features to keep in touch with the local chess community and is appropriate for adults and older children.
NEW TIMES: Who is your favorite historical chess grandmaster?
KELLER: Bobby Fischer.
NEW TIMES: Which chess piece do you identify with the most?
KELLER: I’ve been married a long time, so it would be the pawn.
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