My First Chess Tournament

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At my boy’s primary school the forward-thinking Principal has embraced chess as a part of the curriculum across the school. He has been collecting data over several years now to demonstrate how it has improved the students math skills.

He probably hasn’t read this document from the Chess Federation of Canada, “Benefits of Chess in Education“, but his arguments are spot on. And, I was thrilled when my son came home last year, aged on 6 years old and aksed whether I would play him at chess.

Now, I might be a GeekDad, but chess and math was never my forte – still I’m up for anything and knew the basic rules. However, the basic rules are no match for a six year-old who has been given some basic strategy. My eldest has gone on to defeat his uncles and grandfather and regulrly plays against his younger brother who started school this year.

So, last month we were invited to our first Chess Tournament. Oh yes. I was so excited. Excited at the prosect of a view of a subculture I had not yet engaged with, or even considered would cross my path. But, thanks to our Chess Coach and the Canturbury Junior Chess Club it became a reality.

Held over an afternoon, a chess tournament for children is a site to behold. It can have the same energy levels and vigor as a game of soccer. It also has long moments of silence only broken by the click-clicking of the chess table clock that governs who has spent more time considering their moves and playing out there strategy.

I was very focussed on letting my son know that it was great just to be at the tournament, he was certain he’d be playing against children his own age. But, chess is not a game where skill is determined by age. And so, after defeating a young 6 year-old in his first match, my son found himself playing a dedicated chess addicted over the age of 40. It was amusing and entertaining to watch the game still it said something about this environment I’d walked into. There is a great respect amongst players. The ritual of a handshake both before and after the game, the generosity of analysis post-game and the mutual support is as important to foster in children as the rules of the game.

The highlight of the day was when an 11 year-old who had just defeated my son in a rather drawn out game asked him how old he was, when he said “I’m seven” the boy commented that his brother was that old and wouldn’t have been able to defend like that. It was a very different attitude  to what you might see in some competitive sports.

So, I am throwing myself into this chess thing. One dad at the tournament has convinced me to play next time. He brought his son along to support him to improve his concentration, another tangible benefit is concentrating and undertaking an activity against time (which chess enthusiasts suggest prepares children for examination-like conditions in high school). Now, instead of standing around watching and waiting he plays.

So, watch me as I go. Defeated by the talented under-10 chess players of Australia.

Many chess clubs have junior membership. If you are looking for a club near you try the Chess Clubs Worldwide list over at The Internet Chess Club.