CRANBERRY TWP —Tyler Znaczko and Rachael Vrsaw lean over a chess board, thinking intently and plotting possible moves.

"I'm not stopping 'til you resign or I beat you," declared Tyler, 8, of Cranberry Township. "I'm just going to keep moving my pawn."

The game was part of the eighth annual children's chess camp, held for the first time this year at St. Kilian's Parish Center.

The camp is open to any student in kindergarten through 12th grade, regardless of skill level. The camp started Aug. 9 and continues until Friday.

Despite the talk, the game remains more friendly than competitive, and Tyler gives his opponent a few pointers.

"You can go right here or right here," he said.

"Thank you," said Rachael, 12, of Mars as she captured Tyler's Queen — the most powerful piece in the game, able to move any number of squares vertically, horizontally or diagonally.

This summer marks the eighth year instructor John Surlow of Pittsburgh has run the camp, which was previously held at the Providence Heights Alpha School in Allison Park.

Attendees spend time playing games supervised by instructors who then give feedback, Surlow said.

The rest of the time is devoted to instruction.

An oversized chess board hangs in the front of the room, with pockets that hold cards representing the various pieces.

For the lesson, Surlow often re-enacts famous chess games and talks the students through each move.

"The best lessons are the ones that are interactive," Surlow said. "Everybody can suggest a move; you don't have to be the best player in the class."

A former math and science teacher, Surlow has taught chess in schools and in dozens of similar camps.

He is a certified senior tournament director with the United States Chess Federation and has directed more than 100 tournaments. He also serves on the boards of the Southern California Chess Federation and the Pittsburgh Chess Club.

Depending on the day's class size, one or two additional instructors assist him by teaching and supervising games.

In class, Surlow emphasizes three main principles: developing pieces by moving them forward, controlling the center of the board and focusing on protecting the King.

The game is accessible to children of all ages, from 6-year-old beginners to champion high school students, Surlow said.

People have a strong urge to solve problems, Surlow said, and chess is a great outlet.

"Chess feeds and fuels the problem-solving instinct," he said "The kids have a desire to solve problems, and this solves and increases that desire at the same time."

They also gain self-esteem and practice logic and analysis, resource management and socialization, Surlow said.

Susan Hong-Bang of Pine Township, Allegheny County, brought her 6-year-old son Justin, who wanted to learn more about chess.

"I think he likes the structure and that everything has a place," she said.

Although Justin loves to play sports and be active, said his mom, he needed an activity like chess.

"I think it teaches them a lot of patience," she said. "I think it's great for kids to have something like this that's a lifelong skill."

<B>WHAT: </B>Eighth annual children's chess camp for students in kindergarten through grade 12<B>WHERE: </B>St. Kilian's Parish Center, 7076 Franklin Road, Cranberry Township<B>WHEN: </B>9 a.m. to noon through Friday<B>COST: </B>$30 daily fee, with discounts for multiple days<B>INFORMATION: </B>Students may register at any time and attend any day(s) they choose. Registration is preferred at least one day in advance.<B>CONTACT: </B>For information or to register, contact Juliet Abel at 724-779-6548 or John Surlow at chesspoints@yahoo.com.