The Grandview Elementary School Chess Club sent five of its top-ranked players on Thursday to the National Elementary Chess Championships in Pittsburgh.

Cole Anderson, Cory Iwan, Michael Knudson, Nolan Bernard and Matt Wingert competed Thursday night in the speed chess championships and today will compete in the first two rounds of the national championships. Final rounds run Saturday and Sunday, with awards Sunday.

Coach Randy Christensen said the team was anxious to compete against the "best of the best."

"These guys are some of the best South Dakota has to offer," he said. "I am very confident that they will represent our city and state well."

Participating in national level play requires the highest level of concentration, perseverance and stamina, Christensen said. Games can go as long as four hours - and can be lost by a single unseen blunder.