Chess invites for kids. Its often all about playing well with others. Great lessons must be taught.

Source: Jerry Meyers, Chessmaster, Western PA Youth Chess / Pittsburgh Chess Club

Your children are invited to participate in the Tri-State Junior Chess Championship, which will be held on Saturday, December 18 at Carnegie Mellon
University. This event is intended as the championship for PA, Ohio, and West Virginia. Usually attendance runs between 250 to 400 kids.

Many newcomers ask if their child is ready and why they should encourage their child to play chess.

If your child can play a full game without help and carry out simple checkmates, they can play in a tournament. I firmly believe chess is good for kids. It focuses them, helps with their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and even helps teach some lessons about being better winners and more gracious losers. If your child has never tried a tournament before, why not discuss it with them. Chess will give them a chance to exercise their brain, and our tournament will provide a positive atmosphere. Our message to your kids will be "Win or lose, if you do your best, You are a Winner!"

Children of different ages and ability levels are placed in different sections. For instance, there is a Grade K to 2 Beginner section, Grade 3 & 4 Beginner section, etc, as well as numerous sections divided by ratings. Different sections allow them to play others of similar ability and still have a chance to win some games or even a ribbon or trophy.

Full details, and a registration form.

You can also look up your child's current rating on the website and look at the "Honor Roll," which shows the top 15 rated kids in each grade.

Entries are accepted until the day before the tournament. However, if you mail your entry by next Saturday, December 4, you will save $5 by avoiding the late fee.

For those who are interested, there is also information on the website about our next set of Sunday chess classes at the Pittsburgh Chess Club. Those classes will begin on Jan 9. Beginners and Advanced Beginners meet from 2:30-3:30 and Intermediate players meet from 1-2pm. Cost is $35 for 6 weeks. There is also a class for Advanced students on Monday nights, starting January 10. Details.

Lastly, I would like to mention that there are 3 spots remaining for my Chess Camp from Dec 27 to 31 for players rated roughly 700 to 1000. Details on the website.

Thank you for your consideration. I hope your children are enjoying chess.