History & Vision of Our Club
Welcome to the **Two Knights Chess Club** in Aiken, South Carolina. Our mission is to provide a vibrant, welcoming space for chess players of all ages and skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned player looking for a challenge or a complete beginner eager to learn, we invite you to join us!
About Ed Harris, Founder
My journey with chess began around age five when my father first taught me the game. I quickly fell in love with it and often played with my dad and friends. My passion for chess intensified at 14 when Bobby Fischer was dominating the chess world.
At that point, I joined the **United States Chess Federation (USCF)** and began competing in rated tournaments. Though my first attempts didn't go well, they fueled my desire to improve, which led to a love of chess books. As a teenager, I devoured dozens of books, rereading them to improve my game and learn from past masters.
My growing passion eventually led me to pursue a new path: becoming a **Local USCF Tournament Director**. I first apprenticed under an existing director before passing a test to certify my knowledge of the rules and regulations. At 17, I became a certified Local USCF Tournament Director. After earning my license, I continued to participate in tournaments while also organizing and directing many USCF-rated events.
After obtaining my Local Director's license, I continued to both participate in tournament play and to organize and direct many USCF-rated chess tournaments.
Starting the Knights Chess Club in NH
Before founding the Two Knights Chess Club in Aiken, I established the **Knights Chess Club** in Keene, New Hampshire, in 2007. It was designed to be a welcoming space where players from ages 6 to 98 could come together and enjoy the game. The club is an affiliate of the USCF and a supporter of the New Hampshire State Chess Association. We offer free attendance and provide chess sets in a warm, inclusive environment. The Congregation Ahavas Achim graciously hosts our meetings, providing a clean, well-equipped venue with ample playing space. Membership at the club is completely free. However, participants can choose a **voluntary paid membership** to help support club expenses, such as event costs, venue fees, and special events like pizza nights. Paid members also receive benefits like discounts to certain club events and a complimentary membership to the New Hampshire Chess Association.
Influence of the New Britain Chess Club
As a teenager, the **New Britain Chess Club (NBCC)** had a powerful and positive influence on my life. The club's former president, the late Mr. Arkadijs Strazdins, was a truly great man of chess, loved and respected by all. He dedicated over 50 years to running the club and promoting chess in Connecticut.
I looked forward to my weekly visits to the NBCC and the many friends I had made there. It's always more enjoyable to do things with friends, and many of these friends participated in countless tournaments with me.
Beyond that, the NBCC gave us a place to go to stay out of trouble. Through the many principles of chess that apply to life, we became better students, better at handling real-life situations, and better people. To learn more, please visit our Benefits of Chess page.
It was also under Mr. Arkadijs Strazdins that I apprenticed to become a Local Tournament Director and obtain my license.
Goals for Two Knights Chess Club and Chess in South Carolina
Using the original Knights Chess Club as a model, my goal is to use my knowledge and experience to build a club that benefits players of all ages. I want to see the popularity of chess grow and its many benefits recognized within school systems. I also aim to work with and support both the USCF and the South Carolina State Chess Association to promote the healthy growth of chess in the state. And, of course, to have some fun along the way!