LAPLACE — Roger Patrick of LaPlace and Dudley Williams, previously of Kenner, have been playing chess against each other for more than 20 years. They met at the Kenner Chess Club at a time when that group convened in the Wildlife and Fisheries Museum in Rivertown. At that time, some 6-8 chess enthusiasts would show up on Thursdays to challenge each other to matches. Over time, the membership dwindled, and ultimately Patrick and Williams were the only two who consistently came to play. “Club” was rather a fancy name for the loose association of people who came to play chess on Thursdays. Patrick became the de-facto president because he was the person who came most consistently, but they seldom conducted business, had no dues, and met solely for the purpose of playing chess.

After Katrina, Williams moved to LaPlace to stay with his daughter, and later purchased a house here. He and Patrick began to meet weekly in each other’s homes. Recently they got permission to play on Thursday nights at the Burger King Restaurant at 112 West Airline Highway in LaPlace. They are now looking to challenge others and they invite anyone interested in playing chess, from rank beginner to Master-level players, to join them on Thursday, April 3, and every Thursday thereafter.

Chess-playing members of the public are cordially invited to play chess on Thursday, April 3, at 7:00 p.m. at the Burger King Restaurant at 112 West Airline Highway in LaPlace, and every Thursday thereafter. All skill levels are encouraged to attend. Please bring chess sets if possible, but interested players should come whether they own a chess set or not.