I understand that the Royal Ranger leadership is introducing a new chess merit as part of the RR curriculum rework. Until then, I plan to use these requirements for my own Adventure Rangers’ chess merit, and transition to the new requirements if they are more rigorous.
Anyone else who chances upon this and finds it useful is welcome to reuse it. This is part of my RoyalRanger sequence of pages.
Name the chess pieces and describe how they move.
Describe what is meant by en passant.
Describe what is meant by castling.
Demonstrate how to set up a chessboard (hint: remember two basic rules of light on right and queen has her color).
Describe how the squares on the chessboard are numbered.
Explain how chess moves are recorded on paper.
Describe both long and short notation.
Explain how en passant, castling, and promotion are written.
Strategy
Explain two strategies one would use in the opening.
Explain two strategies one would use in the middle game.
Explain two strategies one would use in the endgame.
Describe the conditions for a stalemate or a draw (hint: repeat, no-move, agreed draw).
Describe some of the rules and expectations of tournament play. Hints:
Touch-move, no take-back.
Clock consistently with one hand, pieces with another.
Courtesy: shake hands, don’t trash-talk, don’t talk while opponent is thinking, etc.
Play at least two serious games of chess and record your moves. Submit your moves to your commander.