Online Chess

One of the great things about the internet has been the ability to find that niche community of individuals that share common interests, no matter how obscure. I recently found a wealth of information regarding coaching chess and I have been inevitably "scolded" by a coach with over 30 years of experience for not being certified, rated, or competitive myself. He made a good case when he explained the importance of all three.

So, I have been playing online at Chess.com to get "sharp," again. I went something close to 2-9 in the first few games playing blitz modes (5 min per side). It's great, even with a free account. If you choose to register and pay for a premium membership, you get access to lessons, openings, and other benefits. It is definitely something that I will include in a newsletter to the children on my team as a tool to allow them to practice. Of course, I will have to include the requisite caution concerning online predators, however, chat can be disabled, if i recall correctly.

You can find me there with the username Cascabel, if you're feeling froggy.

Getting The Gear

I had a question today from one of my students regarding where we got our chess sets. The truth was that we got them form the hard work and effort of the Parent Teacher Association. However, using their hard earned dollars, we purchased the Ultimate Chess Club Kit from Chess House. I contacted them ahead of time to see if I could replace the pieces that came in the kit with the 3 3/4" Heavy Tournament Chess Pieces. They did so without a problem. There was no tax, no shipping and they offered a substantial educational discount. The total price was less than $300.

The included Chess Clocks are wonderful. They light up and have an audible tone when you press the button to start your opponent's timer. From the photo I posted today of Kevin and Brendan playing today, you can tell that I have started to introduce the kids to the pressure of time. They responded very well to it and my son, Enrique, was able to sneak by with a win by forcing his opponent's time to expire. I started them out on the G30 setting, however, as our hour dwindled, I forced them into the 3 minutes per side "blitz" setting. Two of the kids were sweating as time wound down!

I printed out some take home lessons for the kids to reinforce pawn structure, pins, and fork. I also worked up a newsletter for the parents (and teachers). Finally, I started getting the word out to the faculty and students about the upcoming tournament in Midland. The kids have expressed their excitement and are looking forward to getting to compete.

Kevin & Brendan going at it.

The Opening

It's no surprise to me that I have found myself in the position I am in. I have a had a deep love for chess as far back as I can remember, even before I knew how to play. I think that most boys see the majestic figures on their battlefield and conjure up romantic and epic visions of armies vying for the prize, whatever they imagine that to be. So here I sit, with the burden squarely upon my shoulders of introducing a fluctuating number of between 2 and 20 children in San Angelo, Texas to the ancient game of chess.

Having moved here about a year ago, I intended on starting a chess club at my son's elementary school. However, other matters interposed. After transferring him to Fort Concho Elementary, primarily to take advantage of a smaller student-teacher ratio, I saw that there was already a chess club in place. I quickly volunteered to "assist" as needed. However, a turn of events would soon require me to replace the librarian, Mr. Erickson, who suffered an accident that has prevented his involvement, much to everyone's dismay.

So, with those big shoes to fill, I reached out to the Parent Teacher Organization and asked for new materials. The treasurer, Mr. Young, responded and got me exactly what I asked for: 10 regulation boards with weighted pieces and double queens, digital chess clocks, and a demonstration board. With that excuse no longer valid, I began teaching them what I know of the game. This included the basic rules, setup of the board, names and movement of the pieces, castling, and so on. The kids quickly surpassed my expectations and began to ask for more. So, we have moved on to pins, forks, skewers, blockades, and batteries.

Then, I was asked by Anthony, one of my 2nd graders, when they would get the opportunity to play against other schools. As far as I know, there are no other scholastic clubs in the city. The San Angelo Chess Club is no longer active, as best I can tell. I've heard that there is a club at Angelo State University, but have yet to contact them for support. The biggest sponsor we have had to date has been the principal, Mrs. Lori Barton. I've met quite a few school administrators over the years, but very few have the drive and leadership this woman has shown on her campus. It's made any doubts that I had about transferring my son here completely vanish.

With her help, and their own initiative, our ROOKies will be competing in the Region IX Scholastic Tournament on January 9 in Midland, Tx. I am excited. The cost may be prohibitive for some. However, we are looking into getting sponsors for the US Chess Federation dues and the registration fees. Being involved with a Title I school can bring a quick dose of reality when you come to understand the environment some of these children grow up in.

So here's to my ROOKies! May you fight for the center and be noble in victory.