Chess club co-moderator Todd Chretien talks Thursday with Isaac Walton, left, and Andrew Pendexter during a chess tournament at Edward Little High School in Auburn. Twenty-eight students and 10 staff members started the tournament a few weeks ago during their flex period, a 30-minute class where students can get caught up on work. Marty Bressler is club co-moderator with Chretien. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Henry Dimitri, left, and Sam Bucknell play in a chess club tournament Thursday at Edward Little High School in Auburn. Twenty-eight students and 10 staff members started the tournament a few weeks ago during their flex period, a 30-minute class where students can get caught up on work. Bucknell and Giannah Balch reached the semifinals and will face off in the student finals Feb. 9. The student champion will play the staff champion for the school crown. Kylee Barton, back left, and Autumn Larson watch the match. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Chess fans keep an eye Thursday on the match between Ethan San Pedro and Giannah Balch during a tournament at Edward Little High School in Auburn. Twenty-eight students and 10 staff members started the tournament a few weeks ago during their flex period. Sam Bucknell and Balch who will face off in the student final Feb. 9. The student champion will play the staff champion for the school crown. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal