The first session went very well. We have a number of new players who play well. We learned a few opening principles and reviewed some of the basics for the new players.

Tournaments 

For more information or to register, go to www.schoolchess.org

I've highlighted the tournaments I'd like to see a big turnout at - put them on your calendar if your rating is getting near 300.

Feb 18 This Saturday at the Diamondhead Center for Education in Burnsville.

Mar 11 Sat at the Diamondhead Center in Burnsville

Mar 25 Sat at Plymouth Middle School. Grade Level Individual and Team (I think we can put a competitive 5th grade team together. We need 3 or more players to increase our chances. Top three scores added together is your team score so if, for example, we have 5 players we simply don't count the bottom two - so you can only help our team, not hurt it, if you come.

April 8 Sat Diamondhead Center, Burnsville. Middle School team championships.

May 6-7 Sat-Sun Robbinsdale Middle School K5 Championships Team and Individual

May 20 Sat Zachary Lane Elem in Plymouth

 RATINGS

Cavan	384
Quillan	331
Warren	325
Simon	313
Owen	275
Thomas	254
Grant	121
Kellen	100

Here's a puzzle to get some practice moving the knight. Black never moves his pawns for this puzzle.  How many moves does it take your knight to capture all 7 black pawns? Are you sure you can't do it in fewer moves?