I will update this posting once the "TBA" (To be announced) locations are set.
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Tournaments
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Don't forget about the WEDNESDAY NIGHT QUADS - a fine first event to begin every Scholastic Chess player's first forays into the world of Competitive Chess! These events are low cost, short in terms of the length of duration (Usually about an hour and half) and extremely fun for our players to compete in. There is even a trophy for each Quad winner!
You can access all tournament listings - and a full description of each event - by going to:
http://www.chessemporium.com/
When you get to the main page just scroll over to the left hand side of the screen and select the following option from the left hand menu of options: "School Teams Tourneys". This is the third option as you go down the screen.
For those players returning to competitive play please remember that all players who are new to tournament chess - with around 7 or fewer, maybe even no, tournament experience under his or her belt - should be in the "UNDER" section for their grade level. For instance a player in first grade who is playing in their first event would play in the "K-3 U600". This is the section for beginners and intermediate players - for the more advanced intermediates and experienced tournament competitors they should sign up for the "K-3 CHAMP" section. The "CHAMP" designation is for players with a rating over "600". A rating is an objective measurement of the level of playing strength a player is at during that particular time. Ratings can go up and they can go down but for my students - they go up! :P
If you are unsure of what section to register your child for then please always check with me before registering our players for an event and I will be more than happy to help you place them into the appropriate tournament section. I know them best in terms of what they can do as chess players - as I work with them I am significantly more informed than some other chess coach who has never worked with your child before. You do not want advice from other coaches as they will not have any concrete knowledge about the level of our players. As the coaches at events are busy with their own players and teams they will not be able to devote the energy that may be needed to help correctly place our players - particularly if they are busy trying to help keep an event running smoothly. They will have a lot on their plate!
There are usually 6 sections to any ASCF event - with the POLGAR, THE BEST OF PHOENIX and the GOVERNOR'S CUP being exceptions to this rule:
The six sections are:
1.) KINDER - Open only to kindergartners, this section provides a fun and safe environment for the youngest chess players to play each other.
2.) K-3 U600. Open to players in grades 1 through 3rd, who are rated below 600.
3.) K-3 CHAMP. Open to experienced tournament competitors who want to play the most experienced opposition possible. While players rated below 600 could play in this category I would advice against it as the ratings are used for placement by section at tournaments - no matter what any other individual would say upon this matter. This is, after all, why the ratings system was developed by Arpad Elo. You should always discuss any switch of a player from one section into another with your chess coach - no matter who that coach is. Each coach may have their own take on this as philosophies do differ from coach to coach.
4.) K-6 U700. Open to players in grades 4 through 6th, who are rated below 700. Players from lower grades may compete here too but once again you should consult your chess coach.
5.) K-6 CHAMP. The top section - for experienced players in grades 4th through 6th - and below if your coach feels that this is appropriate.
6.) OPEN - The "TOP" section and the one that Middle-school players must compete in. Older players have no option but to compete in this section. High Schools may compete in this section as well so we could call this K-12 OPEN.
For those players who are ready for tournaments - and most are - the world of Scholastic Chess Can help keep them engaged by chess and to derive more enjoyment from their chess. All while reaping even more benefits from their involvement in Scholastic Chess. It can introduce the element of competing with a school team as well - which makes these events even more fun and enjoyable.
- Chess Coach Sean Tobin.
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