The Blair Athol teenager joined a chess team more than five years ago and entered a competition at the Campbelltown Catholic Club.

When the group won first place, a surprised Jamie said he wanted to see how far he could go.

Well, now we know.

The 17-year-old is ranked 5th in the state and 17th nationally in the Australian Chess Federation (ACF) ratings.

Jamie, who is now attending St Gregory's College, said no one in his family excelled in the game.

"I like playing chess because it's such a big game and it's good to see where it leads to," he said.

"My advice to people who give it a go is to play right to the end and don't give up because anything can happen.

"My dad and uncles can play but I usually beat them."

Jamie's last match was in the Summer Two-Day Tournament held by the ACF.

He made a clean sweep, winning all 11 games and finished two points in front of his nearest rivals.

Although Jamie is ranked in the top 20 nationwide, he said he had other plans after he completed year 12.

"I'm hoping to go to uni to do physiotherapy," he said.

"Even though I like chess, I'll probably have it there as a hobby and maybe I'll start training other children later on."

Jamie said growing up in the area opened doors.

"Campbelltown has given me some great opportunities and has helped me discover what I'm good at," he said.

"It has given me some great family values.

"Also growing up with friends and becoming involved in these extracurricular activities has helped me accomplish what I want to this far."

Jamie said he planned to teach other family members the game.

"I'm the only child so I can't teach a younger brother or sister how to play," he said.

"But I have two little cousins and I plan to teach them."