2020 Chess

 Due to the covid outbreak, I am currently not teaching any after-school chess. However SCA has gone virtual with a successful virtual chess camp this summer. 

VIRTUAL TOURNAMENTS

SCA will be conducting virtual tournaments until we can get back together again. 

Merit points will be awarded and all awards will be mailed.

Answers from March 12

Since FHMS and Heritage have the same lessons, just click here for answers.

CHESS CLUB SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY

There will be no more chess until further notice in a effort to reduce the spread of the virus.
Also not that if you were planning on attending the SCA Tournament on March 21, that has been cancelled as well.

Mar 12

TOURNAMENT NEXT WEEKEND - MARCH 21
Refer to previous posts for details or register online at schoolchess.org

Today we learned some end game principles.
1) When your opponent has fewer than 10 pts in pieces (not counting pawns) your king should join the battle
2) Your rook can be used to prevent your opponent's king from getting where it wants to
3) Guard the queening square, but the 2 squares next to the queening square are equally important.
4) Place your pawns on the same color as your opponent's Bishop
5) The queen becomes a powerful forker on an open board

Name	12-Mar
Boomer	650
Jackson	364
John	280
Myles	245
Aidan G	237
Dylan	206
Cole	201
Drew	200
Peter	193
Mark	176
Leo	147

Today we learned about the unexpected zwischenzug move and did a worksheet.
March 21 SCA tournament at Plymouth Middle School. 8:30-3:00 Cost $20 + lunch money.

Name	5-Mar
Boomer	627
Jackson	364
John	280
Aidan G	237
Myles	235
Dylan	206
Drew	204
Peter	193
Mark	169
Cole	171
Leo	147

Minnesota Scholastic Championship

March 7-8 Sat-Sun
If you want to play some serious chess, this is a great opportunity put on by the Minnesota State Chess Association.
Official USCF tournament to determine the top middle school players and teams.
Winners represent Minnesota at National Invitational.
Long time controls - Each player gets an hr so the game can last 2 hours, then after the 2nd round it goes to 90 min per  player - 3 hrs per  games.
Cost $50 per player Location Crowne Plaza Hotel near the Megamall.
For more details and to register, go to www.minnesotachess.com
If interested, let me know and I'll lend you a clock and drop by to see how you are doing.

There are other upcoming tournaments put on by the School Chess Association. See www.schoolchess.org for more info or to register.

Mar 21 Statewide Grade Level Championship. Individual and Team Champions will be determined, Cost $20, 1 hour games

April 18 Sat Twin Cities Middle School Championship. Individual and Team Champions will be determined, Cost $20, 1 hour games at Plymouth M.S.

May 2-3 Sat-Sun Statewide Elementary Championships (K-6)  BIGGEST tournament of the year!
60 Individual trophies and 10 Team trophies will be awarded, Cost $42, 1 hour games at Robbinsdale M.S. Last two rounds are 2 hrs.

May 16 Sat Excellent chance to win a trophy since there is a separate section for the top 16. Cost $20

FINAL JR HIGH LEAGUE MATCH

We lost a close match against Friendly Hills by a score of 3-2.
We beat Faithful Shepherd by a score of 5-0 because they didn't show up.

Complete results available at the Junior High Chess League link at the right.

Name	28-Feb
Maize	636
Boomer	607
Silas	429
Jackson	355
Johnny	309
John	267
Aidan G	223
Myles	220
Dylan	206
Drew	206
Peter	193
Mark	160
Cole	154
Leo	111