Chess Tournament

Last year, S came home with a flyer about a school district chess tournament and wanted to enter it. He was 6 years old and in 1st grade. I didn't know he even knew how to play chess.

Me: You don't even know how to play chess.

S: Yes, I do!

Me: Really? Ok. Set up the board for me.

S: *after setting up board correctly* See?

Me: Ok. Show me how each piece moves.

S: *tells me about each piece and how it moves*

Me: Ok. Well, let's play a game. 

We played; I BARELY won. Apparently, C taught S after I taught C how to play. I took S to the school district tournament and he placed 5th. Wowza! A couple weeks later, both S and C participated in the state tournament. Neither placed, but had a really good time. 

Since then, we sent both boys to a Summer Chess Camp taught by teenagers who are nationally ranked. We've also gotten a computer game/program at the recommendation of Grandpa to help teach and play. Both S and C periodically get out the board and play. They are teaching MK--She's 4.

Today was the school district chess tournament again. C had a basketball game, so it was only S playing today.  He had a great time and did pretty well. His goal was to earn a trophy. 

S getting ready for his first game

S with his 8th place trophy

In a couple of weeks, we'll be heading for SLC for the state tournament again. It'll be a LONG day as we have to be there with kids in their seats by 8:15 am and it is about 1-1/2 hour drive for us to get there.