ELLSWORTH — Matches begin and end with a handshake at the Ellsworth Chess Club.

The proper chess etiquette is about as formal as it gets at the group’s Thursday night gatherings at Mr. Paperback.

“I think it’s very fair to say we have a very laidback club,” said Mark Woida of Southwest Harbor as he nudged a pawn forward on the board.

The club began meeting in 1994 at the First Congregational Church of Ellsworth.

Founding members were then-Pastor Ross Wyman and Lynn Ainsworth.

Since then, the faces have changed, but the game has stayed the same.

Between four and eight regulars attend during the winter. In the summer, between 10 and 15 players usually show up.

All ages and skill levels are welcome.

“Sometimes adults will come with their kids,” said member Dick Powell.

The game is both challenging and entertaining.

“Some people say it’s like a combination of art, science and sport rolled into one,” Woida said.

Club members say they enjoy playing flesh and blood opponents rather than computer screens.

“I like playing a human,” Woida said. “A lot of people are playing online now.”

“The game lasts longer too [in person],” said Matthew Merchant of Otis, a senior at Ellsworth High School.

For more community news, pick up a copy of The Ellsworth American.