Is there a way to select every other ELEMENT with an editable poly?

[danb4026]

I have an object that is made of many individual elements (basically a tile with each tile separated by empty space ie, where grout would go). I need to apply 2 materials in a checkboard pattern, one material to each tile.

 

I have no problem selecting every other polygon, but I need to select every other element.

 

Any way of doing this?