Jackson R-2 Chess Clubs Learn from National Master Dane Mattson
Jackson R-2 Chess Clubs Learn from National Master Dane Mattson
Jackson, MO — This past week, students from the Jackson R-2 chess clubs had the unique opportunity to learn from one of the best chess players in the United States, National Master Dane Mattson. The visit, which spanned Jackson Middle School, junior high, and high school, was an unforgettable experience for aspiring young chess enthusiasts.
Mattson, who earned his National Master title in 2013 at just 26 years old, is among the top 1% of chess players in the country. The prestigious title is awarded for life to players who achieve a United States Chess Federation rating of 2200. “It’s something I didn’t chase directly,” Mattson reflected. “I developed a passion for the game and always try to challenge myself and learn something new.”
Having learned to play chess at the tender age of four, Mattson has never played the same game twice. Interestingly, he revealed that he has never used the popular opening move E4 throughout his chess journey. His serious pursuit of the game began in high school when he prepared to face a local National Master. After studying his opponent’s past games, Mattson triumphed, leading to a mentorship that would shape his chess career.
During his visit, Mattson shared invaluable insights with the Jackson students, emphasizing the importance of creativity and an open mind in chess. “In order to be a good chess player, you need to have a lot of experience, but also have creativity and an open mind,” he advised. He reminded the students that while chess can be learned in a short time, mastering it takes a lifetime.
Mattson illustrated his point by sharing a scenario from a chess camp in 2014, where he realized he had missed two critical moves. “I’m not a master of chess,” he humbly stated. “No one is. I’m here making mistakes and I’m learning, and I hope everyone is doing the same.”
When asked about the balance between defense and attack in chess, Mattson stressed the necessity of excelling at both. “The better defender you are, the more likely you are to think about your opponent’s attacking ideas as well as their defensive ideas,” he explained. “That can make you a sharper attacker, so both are essential.”
In addition to his teaching, Mattson works for chess.com, where he creates daily puzzles that engage millions of players worldwide. He landed the job in 2016 after responding to an ad seeking someone with a good broadcast voice and a chess rating of 1500. “I don’t know about the broadcast voice, but I did have a rating over 1500, so I applied,” he chuckled.
The session culminated in an exciting display of skill, as Mattson played six simultaneous games against members of the Jackson chess clubs. For many students, this was a thrilling opportunity to face a National Master firsthand.
“If you develop a passion for chess and you really love the game, it can be a friend for life,” Mattson concluded, leaving the students inspired and eager to continue their chess journeys. The visit not only enriched their understanding of the game but also ignited a deeper passion for chess that will last a lifetime.