Lulu's Frozen Yogurt and Coffee Shop manager Andrew Ravelo moved his queen piece across the chess board - closer to Paul Simon's king. Ravelo examined the board.
"You're in a tight spot," Ravelo said.
Simon rested his pointer finger on his chin as his eyes moved across the board, considering his options.
Wednesday, Sept. 3 was the first of three free chess classes at Lulu's. Ravelo played chess competitively growing up. However, he said he doesn't play often anymore. He played a game with one of the class's attendees, Simon, Wednesday night.
Like Ravelo, Simon played chess as a child but said he hasn't played in a long time. Simon and his brother used to play chess together. They don't get the chance to play much anymore because they live in different states.
Ana Ravelo, Andrew Ravelo's mother, taught herself how to play chess when her son started playing. She often practiced with him. She created a beginner-level handout and will teach the basics of the game during the classes.
Last night's chess class was Robert Kimble's first time playing the game.
"It's all foreign to me until I get into it," Kimble said.
Kimble is retired and thought he would enjoy learning how to play chess. Ana Ravelo gave Kimble handouts she made with information on the different pieces and various moves.
Ana Ravelo said she would like to see Fulton grow as a chess area.
"It's a dream," Ana Ravelo told the Fulton Sun before classes started. "I don't know what we can start, but at least we can start with a small group."
Classes will be held Sept. 4 and 5, as well. Preregistration is not required.
Class for children six years old and older will be from 4:30-6 p.m. and class for teens and adults will be from 6:30-8 p.m.
Lulu's will provide chess sets but asks that those participating bring their own chess sets, too, if they have them. Lulu's is at the corner of West Fifth and Nichols streets in the Brick District. Their phone number is (573) 826-3135.
Megan Favignano can be reached at (573) 826-2417 or [email protected].