StormChess is Keith's website about chess, lessons, puzzles, club news, stories, and the stuff he likes making and learning.

What can I find here?

You can find chess puzzles, stories, lessons, club updates, Keith's journal, photos, and other projects he is working on.

Why did Keith make StormChess?

Keith made StormChess because chess helps him think, focus, and learn, and he wanted one place to share that with other people.

Hi, I'm Keith

This is my website about chess, and right now the new club is the biggest thing on it.

I made StormChess because chess helps my brain slow down and focus. Right now I am getting ready for the first Desert Youth Chess Meet Up, so this site highlights the club, the story behind it, and how to join.

See the new club Read the newest post

First meeting: Sept 24
Club updates
Puzzles I like
Stories and notes

What I'm doing lately Launch mode

My club mission

Right now I am focused on getting ready for the first club meeting, helping kids hear about it, and making StormChess feel like the real home base for the launch.

First meeting Sept 24

Where Palm Desert CC

What I'm building A real club

About StormChess

I wanted this site to feel like my notebook, not a company ad.

I wanted it to look fun because chess is fun for me. But I also wanted it to feel like a real place where I can keep track of what I make, what I learn, and what I want to teach.

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Short chess stuff

I like short puzzles and lessons because they help me keep going instead of feeling stuck forever.

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Clear steps

I like when things are clear and not all over the place, so I try to make this site feel easier to follow.

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Less weird internet stuff

I did not want this to feel noisy or creepy or full of random stuff. I wanted it to feel normal and real.

New local club

Palm Desert chess club now launching at the Palm Desert Community Center.

I was really excited to help get this chess club started so more kids can play in person, meet each other, and have a place to keep learning. The first meeting is getting close, and I have been out sharing flyers around town to help build the launch.

Club details

If you are 8 to 14 and want to play chess with other kids, this is the new club I helped get started at the Palm Desert Community Center, 45900 San Pablo Ave, Palm Desert.

First meeting: September 24
October 22
November 19
Thursdays, 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Keith giving a thumbs-up in front of the Palm Desert Community Center, where the new chess club meets. — Keith at the Palm Desert Community Center, where the new chess club will meet.

Sign up

The Rec Center does the signup, so use their page if you want a spot. You can also open the flyer if you want the details and sign-up code first.

Open the flyer Register on the Rec Center site

Keith standing outside the community center for the Desert Scholastic Chess Club launch.

This club is real now.

I wanted the homepage to show actual photos of me and the place, not just text about it.

Keith out around town helping promote the upcoming first StormChess club meeting.

Building the launch

I have been sharing flyers around town so more kids hear about the first meeting before it starts.

Keith helping spread the word about the new StormChess club ahead of the first meeting.

Getting the word out

The first club day is coming up, so I wanted the site to show the real work happening before opening day too.

Keith's world

This part is about me and the stuff I actually make.

I did not want this site to only sound like “chess website words.” I wanted it to show my journal, my pictures, my art, my club, and the things I really care about.

Keith's journal

This is where I write about ideas, experiments, and things I notice when I play and think.

Open the journal

Digital art and club vision

I also make art and write stories, so I wanted that to be part of the site too.

See Keith's story See the club page

Keith concentrating during a chess game.

More than chess words

I wanted a few real photos on the homepage so it feels like me instead of a generic chess page.

Daily Puzzle

Here is a puzzle I like.

I wanted the homepage to have a puzzle right on it because puzzles are one of my favorite parts of chess.

Today: Mate in 1 Storm streak: 7

White to move

Find the forcing move that checks the black king.

Hint: The queen is looking straight at the storm gate.

Lessons and tournaments

This is how I think about getting better.

I do not think learning chess is one giant jump. It feels more like levels where you keep noticing new things.

Piece Power

Learn how each piece moves with animated examples and visual cues.

Storm Tactics

Practice forks, pins, and checkmates in quick five-minute bursts.

Opening Trails

Follow simple opening patterns without needing to memorize pages of theory.

Weekend Arena

Step into short tournaments with clear rounds, friendly stakes, and parent visibility.

Parent Hub

If grown-ups are curious, this is the part for them.

Sometimes parents want to know why chess helps and what kids are actually learning, so I wanted a place for that too.

Why I think chess helps

Chess helps me think ahead, notice patterns, and calm down enough to figure things out.

Builds focus through short repeatable practice
Creates a calm framework for decision-making
Turns abstract thinking into visible progress

Making it feel calmer

Sometimes too much stuff on a screen feels annoying, so I wanted this site to have a calmer version too.

Reduced motion and softer glow effects
Large tap targets on mobile
Predictable layouts with familiar patterns

Easy ways to practice

You do not have to make chess a huge thing every day. Even one puzzle can count.

One puzzle before homework
One five-minute lesson after dinner
One fun tournament block on the weekend

Is this site only for experienced chess kids?

No. The site is positioned for beginners and growing players, with clear on-ramps, short sessions, and parent guidance throughout.

Does the design work on phones and tablets?

Yes. The homepage is mobile-first, uses large touch targets, and keeps the main actions visible without crowding small screens.

How does StormChess support neurodivergent learners?

By combining consistent routines, friendly progress cues, optional calmer visuals, and language that speaks to both kids and parents.