CHECKMATE CHESS BECOMES HOT NEW GAME IN SCV.

Byline: Sharon Cotal Staff Writer

VALENCIA - Cool chess computer software, the ability to play opponents all over the world on the Internet, and the media's increasing use of the game in popular film and television have made the game of chess hot.

To accommodate the popularity of the game in Santa Clarita, the California Youth Chess League has opened a Training and Tournament Center in the Vista Village Shopping Center, 25864 Tournament Road, Suite G, Valencia.

The center can seat 70 players for a tournament and has four computers - with a fifth on the way - for kids to train with computer software or compete on the Internet.

``I think we're the only chess club in the western United States that has such a high-tech facility for the kids,'' said CYCL Director Jay Stallings, adding that CYCL is the largest chess group in Southern California and one of the largest in the nation.

``Chess is huge in Santa Clarita right now - it's bigger than it's ever been,'' he said.

Stallings said the new training center will not affect the main focus of CYCL, which is to teach the game to kids in area schools. He and his staff will continue to visit the schools for after-school chess clubs and classes.

``This (the training center) is someplace where kids can use the skills that they learn at school and push themselves even further,'' Stallings said. ``For those who are really dedicated to the game, we want to give them the opportunity to compete nationally.''

Stallings hopes training at the new center will help lead the team to its first national championship. Although both the team and certain individuals have placed second several times at nationals over the years since the formation of CYCL in 1996, a first-place trophy has eluded them.

``That's one of our goals, but our focus isn't just to make great chess players,'' Stallings said. ``We help kids develop critical thinking skills, sportsmanship and the ability to think before they act.''

Kids who play chess learn confidence in their ability to solve problems and meet challenges, which is something they can use throughout their lives, Stallings said. Also, studies have shown playing chess can improve test scores in math and reading.

``I've had a number of people tell me that their kids' grades have improved after they started playing chess,'' he said.

EVENTS

There's a lot going on at the CYCL Training and Tournament Center, where players can check out the following ongoing events. For information, call [phone] or visit the CYCL Web site at www.thinkchess.com/cycl.

<--USCF Youth Chess Tournament, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Players must be members of the U.S. Chess Federation. Dues are $7 for first year. The entry fee is $12, and players must record their moves and play with a clock.

--Grand Opening, noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 19.

--Practice, Pokemon & Pizza, 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 19. Kids play a practice chess game in which they record their moves (they will be taught how), then after the game review they will receive four Pokemon cards and eat pizza. The cost is $10.

--CYCL Tournament by Division, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 to 6 p.m. Aug. 26. Kids will play against others in the approximate same grade and skill level. Players of all levels will win trophies. The entry fee is $7 and kids can choose either a morning or afternoon schedule.

--Youth Chess Club, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays. Free.

--Adult Chess, 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Thursdays. Free.

--Day camps, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays for youngsters in kindergarten through 12th grade. The cost is $17 and includes lunch.

--Chess Class, 6 to 7:15 p.m. Fridays for young people in kindergarten through 12th grade. The cost is $33 per month.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos, box

Photo:

(1) Ari Berlin, 12, practices chess strategies Wednesday a the California Youth Chess League's new training center in Valencia.

(2) A.J. Wallerstein, 9, ponders his next move.

Box: Events (see text)