Statewide Chess Tournament...

This past weekend, on Saturday, I took both boys to the School Chess Association's Statewide Grade level chess Tournament. Oliver wanted very much to play in this tournament because he'd be on a team with his best friend. I couldn't say no, as he'd been practicing for a few weeks now. Lucius of course was very excited that his team of first graders was 5 players strong (and the biggest group of first graders from one school). Oliver's "team" of 3rd graders was just him and his friend but they were full of smiles anyways.

We listened to all the rules and then they were off to their first games.

 

In between rounds (games) we had a lot of tablet time, playing together, chatting and snacks.

After 5 rounds (5 games) over the course of 5 hours, it was time for the award ceremony. The 3rd graders awards were first and even though Oliver and his friend lost all of the five games, he was convinced they still had a shot to win an award. Thankfully he wasn't too disappointed. I tried to tell him all day that it would be really tough to win.

Then 1st graders awards were handed out. Lucius won 2nd place of all the 31 first graders that played that day. I was super impressed.

Then as a team, our first graders scored enough points to win the team trophy. Every single one of those kids earned points and were beaming!

It was a super long day- having arrived at 8:30am and we finally left around 3:30pm. But no one had a bad attitude, everyone did the best they could and we all left still interested in learning more chess. I will call that a WIN!

We even had our first ever friend sleepover on Friday night before this tournament (the friend came with us Saturday morning to play in the tournament and he took 6th place in the first grade division). They wanted to practice chess together on Friday night to get ready for the tournament. I choose to show them a movie instead.