An Introduction to Chess
Instructor: Ed Hsu, MD, MPH and Professor of Emergency Medicine
October 20 - December 1 (6 Session / Skips Thanksgiving Week)
Tuesdays, 4:00PM - 5:00PM ET
Virtual va Zoom
Brought to you by Odyssey
Course Description: Have you ever wanted to learn chess—or improve your game beyond simply knowing the moves? This six-week course offers a welcoming introduction to one of the world's most enduring and fascinating games. Beginning with the origins and history of chess, participants will learn the rules, piece movement, algebraic notation, and essential opening principles before progressing to the tactical and strategic concepts that make the game so engaging.
Through classic games, interactive demonstrations, and guided practice, you'll explore checkmates, pins, forks, skewers, double attacks, and other powerful chess tactics. Each session includes opportunities to play fellow participants, analyze games, and build confidence at the board.
More than just a game, chess develops critical thinking, pattern recognition, and decision-making skills that extend beyond the sixty-four squares. Whether you're completely new to chess or looking to strengthen your fundamentals, this course provides a fun and supportive environment to learn, play, and think several moves ahead.
Explore the full Fall 2026 Odyssey catalog and discover engaging courses taught by Johns Hopkins alumni, faculty and community experts.
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Johns Hopkins Tuition Remission Policies
Tuition benefits are available to University faculty, staff, and retirees only. Employees of Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, or the Applied Physics Laboratory should contact your institution’s Human Resources office for information about tuition remission and eligibility:
Select the correct ticket pricing during registration. If we cannot confirm your university eligibility, you will be requested to pay the full registration price for each course. Complete eligibility details can be found here.
Withdrawals & Refunds:
If a course is canceled or closed, the registrant is notified immediately, and a full refund is processed automatically unless another course is requested. Registrants who wish to withdraw from an active course must complete the online Odyssey Refund Request Form. Attach any documentation to support your request (e.g., medical documentation, family crisis documentation, etc.).
100% refund: Prior to the start of the course and after the first class.
No refunds: After the first week of each course unless in exceptional cases.
For single-session courses:
100% refundable within two (2) business days of the event.
Please note, refunds apply only to the tuition portion of an Odyssey participant’s charges and are not applicable to any fees or gifts made to the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association. Registrants will be notified by email if a refund is approved within five (5) business days.
