AUBURN - Before it all started, chessmaster Tom McKellop had some words of advice.

“A chess friendship is more important than a chess victory,” he said. “Win, lose or draw, it's still fun.”

With the message delivered, children shook hands with their opponents, put on a serious face and plotted out a plan to corner the king during a Saturday afternoon chess class at the Seymour Library.

While their children racked up chess pieces, parents sat proudly around the walls of the children's room, sharing stories about how their sons and daughters had learned to play. Many families passed down the tradition through the generations, and often the grandfather held the highest rank.

“Nobody can play like my grandfather” said one player from the corner.�

McKellop admitted that he began playing chess 35 years ago in high school.

“I had a choice in study hall to either do my homework or to play chess,” he said. “You can guess what I chose. I learned from a buddy at school. I want to pass that on. The basics can be learned pretty quickly, but chess is somewhat like piano. Only knowing the notes won't make you a concert pianist.”

As the room began to fill up, Tom moved throughout the games, giving pointers and encouragement, admitting to parents that he hoped to get a chess club going soon.

With the amount of interest, one might understand why. The class topped out at 17 participants, and there's a waiting list for another workshop, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. Feb. 11.

Children as young as 6 were racking up pawns and were strategically plotting the opposing queen's demise. Nick Carr, a third-grader from Herman Avenue Elementary School, said that he started playing at a chess club at school.

“Well, my older brother Jamie taught me how to play,” he said of his 12-year-old sibling. “He beats me; I beat him. I like chess because it's a thinking game. You've got to really think about how to win.”

Tom McKellop planned to teach the students just that: how to win. He began by explaining how each piece moves, what its strengths are, and what strategies will lead you to a win. Tom, a member of the 1999 New York Amateur Chess Championship Team, explained that chess teams are very valuable but that those who are interested can practice and play online. He said he enjoys participating in a correspondence league but that he hopes a chess club will once again become an important part of Auburn's activity list.

Six-year-old Francie Motto has been looking for ways to improve her skills, and though she's small, she was holding her own against an older opponent.

Her mother, Chris Motto, said a chess club at Weedsport Elementary only allows students in or beyond fourth grade.

“When I saw this in the paper, I knew it would be perfect for her,” she said. “I taught her the basics, and she got a chessboard for Christmas. She doesn't like for me to tell her what to do, but she seems to be taking it from this gentleman just fine.”