They know it is hip to be square and they are proud to show it off after doing wonderful things in the chess world.

They compete for the St Joseph’s Regional College Chess Team in two NSW competitions - the NSW Junior Chess League and the Sydney Academy of Chess Tournament.

They have proven to be the eminent team in the local region defeating all opponents convincingly, and now progress through to the finals which pits them against schools from the northern and western regions of NSW.

The will play either Byron Bay Steiner School or Mullimbimby High School early in term three.

The Sydney Academy of Chess game will not be played until the last half of term three at Muswellbrook.

In big news, they have received an invitation to attend the National Chess Titles in Melbourne at the Queens College in November.

Coach of the team and St Joseph’s teacher, Richard Battiston, was proud of his team’s efforts and hard work and believes they can go much further.

His personal philosophy of the game of chess is one which does not celebrate winning every match played, but rather developing an appreciation of skill and technique.

“It’s more about mastering the techniques and challenging oneself to expand one’s own mastery of the game,” he said.

 “Anecdotal evidence suggests that students who attempt to master the skills of chess over a single-minded win approach will gain greater benefits and results in academic pursuits as well as the game of chess alone.”

He said the number of students attending and trying out for the chess team is a clear indication of the students wanting to embrace an activity that is different, individual and also sociable.

“St Joseph’s Regional College chess students see themselves as the rock stars of the school as they continue to gain notoriety with their wins and quirky personalities,” he said.

The team is also in the process of picking up their first sponsor.