Our New Home: a preview of Prominent’s first Wednesday at Game On

If you’ve been coming to Wednesday chess at Barnes & Noble, head to Game On this week. We’re still at South Hill Mall in Puyallup, and the hours are still 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. November 11 is our first Wednesday in the new space.

The photos show the room before opening night. If you’re coming for the first time, take a look at the entrance photo so you know what to look for inside the mall.

When you walk in

Start at check-in. Returning players can scan their badges. If it’s your first visit, tell the person at check-in whether you’re here for a game, or whether you’d like help getting started. You can say you’ve never played before. That gives us a better idea of where to seat you and who can help.

If you already play online and haven’t played in person, tell us that too. It takes a game or two to get used to seeing the whole board from one side, picking up pieces, and sharing a clock. You can ask your opponent to show you how the clock works before you begin.

A good first game

Some players come for a quick game and others stay for several. If you prefer a slower game or want to talk through a position afterward, say so when you sit down. It makes it easier to find a pace that works for both players.

For returning players, the easiest welcome is an introduction. If you see someone waiting near the boards, ask if they’re looking for a game or need help finding check-in.

The November schedule

We’ll be back at Game On on Wednesday, November 18. There’s no Wednesday meetup on November 25. Questions about finding the store or bringing a first-time player? Email prominentchessclub@gmail.com.

If you’re bringing a child under 13, plan to stay with them. Players ages 13–17 may attend on their own. If you’re arriving as a group, let the organizer know who wants to play and who’s there to watch. That makes it easier to get the players settled without asking everyone to learn the routine at once.