The Shanghai Chess League was conceived with two goals in mind: creating a warm community of fellow Shanghai chess players, and creating an environment in which everyone, from beginner to FIDE Master, can learn and improve their chess. The league is played at 50 10 time controls to allow for slower, more meaningful games, and the results are put up on their website so they can all learn from/prepare for future matches. They play every other week so the schedule isn’t too demanding, and they’re flexible for people who need to play on alternate days on any given week. They normally play on scheduled Monday, and the atmosphere strikes a balance between serious and friendly. FM Louis Sanchez has been the League Arbiter from day 1, volunteering his time and expertise to not only make sure things run smoothly on game day, but also to help people analyze their matches and even give some lectures on off weeks. The core volunteer group that keeps the league running smoothly includes Ben Newbry, Chris Day, Ace Ryan, and Thomas Erickson, but many other league participants have volunteered time and experience to help the league in the past. League equipment and costs are shared by all league members through small tournament entry fees.