Teaching the Art of Thinking

Karen Bio Pic
Beginner I, Beginner II

Coach

Karen Schmidt

“I am absolutely committed to the belief that chess helps one live a better life even beyond the chessboard: patience in all situations; recognizing that there are many solutions to every problem or challenge; careful analysis of options and finding the best move; winning and losing with grace; and learning how to connect with others from all walks of life. You don’t even need to speak the same language to meet over the chessboard.” -Karen Schmidt

Karen Schmidt is joining the team as Beginner Coach, Writer and Blogger. She is a long time University District resident, graduate of the UW with a BA in Anthropology, and former accountant at both Nordstrom Corporate Accounting and the University of Washington. She learned to play chess at 13 in Yakima, where she was born and raised. She later joined the Chess Mom Scholastic Circuit for several years after teaching her only son to play chess. She has enjoyed playing casual chess at Westlake Park downtown since 2016, and has improved her game in the years since then by playing casual chess with stronger players.

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