Category: chess

2019 National Elementary Championship

Nashville, TN – May 10-12, 2019
US Chess Federation results pages

 

2,295 players total and a stage full of trophies!

The 2019 National Elementary Championship was held May 10-12 at the Gaylord Opryland resort in Nashville, TN. This year’s event had 2,295 players spread across 12 sections playing seven rounds of classical chess over three days. Players hailed from 46 states including 91 players from our great state of Michigan.

The time control for this event was G/90;d5 which was a true classical chess experience for these young players. As you might expect for such a large event, the logistics were highly organized with plenty of tournament staff on the playing floor and outside in the chess control office. Kudos to all of the US Chess Federation staff who managed this tournament like a well-oiled machine.

The majority of kids played in the vast Delta Ballroom. Once the frenetic bustle of finding boards and bidding farewell to parents and coaches was completed, the doors closed and after brief announcements came the call to “Start white’s clock!” After handshakes and the clack of the clocks the rounds began.

You can use this link to browse all of the results

Once again I was so impressed with the concentration and determination of these players. I quickly and quietly circulated for the 15 minutes allotted to press and photographed the room. I recognized many faces from Michigan tournaments, some of whom are represented in the gallery accompanying these words.

The opening minutes go by in the blink of an eye and was always disappointed to feel the silent tapping of the timer on my wrist indicating it was time for me to exit. Outside the ballroom I joined the other parents and coaches, watching the doors for their player, trying to read their expression. As a chess parent, I know Tom Petty was right: the waiting is the hardest part! Potentially 3+ hours for games that went the distance. I left Nashville with even more admiration for the concentration and stamina of these young players.

Observations of a chess parent

An essay for MI Chess Magazine reflecting on the 2019 Michigan Junior Chess Championships held at Oakland University, Rochester, MI – March 23, 2019.  Michigan Chess Association

Saturday, March 23 dawned bright and early as my son and I finished breakfast and headed off to Oakland University for the 2019 Michigan Junior Chess Championships. Tournament days are always exciting and full of promise. Our ride to Rochester was occupied with a mix of music and conversation.

The Oakland Center was a spacious and modern events facility with plenty of room, seating and some on-site food options. We arrived early enough to pick a spot near where the pairings would be posted and settled in. On tournament days, we like to pass the time between games either reading, stretching our legs outside, or playing each other.

Once the first pairings were posted, we headed into the K-5 playing room to find my son’s board and get set. The lighting and setup were quite nice. Since I have also been photographing matches for use by the MCA, I took up a position at the edge of the room and listened to the opening announcements.

Then, with the shaking of hands, the round began. I’ve been so impressed, given that the room is filled with young kids, how a silence descends upon the room with the only sounds being the clack of pieces being moved and clocks being triggered.

This is a point that is really striking for me as a parent. Chess is a game of concentration and discipline. I can see the concentration in these young faces as they play each other. I also love the sportsmanship aspect of these tournaments. Games begin and end with a handshake. Opponents over the board laugh and play together outside of the playing room. Chess challenges the brain, teaches patience, discipline, and sportsmanship. I am so happy that my son enjoys the game and is able to play in a wide variety of tournaments run my the MCA.

If the K-8 room was quiet, the high school room was silent. With a much longer time control, there were no quick moves to be seen. Just stony faces of concentration. These young competitors were playing at a high level. The ratings in this room ran up to nearly 2500 with a majority of the players over 1000. This was a room to tiptoe around the edges and capture a few images with a long lens.

Round one turned into two, three, four, and five and before I knew it the days was done and it was time for the awards ceremony. I’m always pleased how many players stay and cheer for their peers that earned trophies.

A few closing thoughts for other parents. The International Olympic Committee has recognized chess as a sport! I believe it based on the energy my son expends in a day. We have found these tips to be valuable in preparing for scholastic tournaments:

      • Get a good night’s sleep!
      • Eat a hearty breakfast.
      • Bring a nutritious lunch and plenty of healthy snacks – we need more than a typical school day.
      • Stay hydrated! A water bottle is key throughout the day.
      • Rest, relax, and get some fresh air between games.

As always, we are looking forward to the next tournament.