David Motta was unsure about what to expect when he entered the Dartmouth Rotary Club’s first ever Scholastic Chess Tournament on September 17.

The 15-year-old Tiverton native has been playing chess for more than eight years, but the only tournament Motta has participated in was so long ago, he doesn’t remember much of it. Searching for a way to test his skills, Motta decided to enter the tournament with nine other players.

Motta won match after match, and he soon realized he was close to becoming the tournament’s first champion. A tough opponent finally appeared by the fourth game.

“The second to last match was the most challenging,” Motta said. “I felt like my opponent could have beaten me, but he got off to a bad start and just gave up from there.”

Motta prevailed and went on to secure the top prize. After the tournament, Motta explained his winning strategy.

“You have to treat every match like you’re playing the hardest opponent you’ve ever faced,” Motta said.

The tournament attracted 10 young chess players — a success considering the tournament is brand new, said Terri Hamm of the Dartmouth Rotary Club.

“Many parents and grandparents observed the tournament,” Hamm said via email. “It was a good turnout, especially for our first Rotary of Dartmouth Scholastic Chess Tournament.”

Hamm said that a number of chess experts assisted in hosting the tournament, including Bob Salves from the Rhode Island Chess Association, who officiated it. Two coaches also helped, including Jim Kegle, who runs a chess club in Mattapoisett, and Joe Martin, who teaches chess.