If you have a child that knows the basic rules of chess, and is interested in trying a tournament – we say, go for it! Tournaments are a fantastic opportunity for young chess enthusiasts to showcase their skills, and most importantly, to have fun while experiencing the many benefits that chess tournaments offer.
Some of the benefits of chess tournaments include:
♟️Cognitive Development: Chess is known to enhance critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and concentration.
♟️Social Skills: The tournament will encourage interaction among students, helping them build friendships and learn the importance of sportsmanship.
♟️Emotional Resilience: Chess teaches players how to handle wins and losses gracefully - building emotional strength and resilience.
♟️Fun and Engagement: Above all, this tournament is designed to be enjoyable! Students will have the chance to immerse themselves in a game they love, sparking enthusiasm for learning and critical thinking skills.
Your child’s first chess tournament may seem a little overwhelming, but these tips should help you gain a better understanding of what to expect, what to pack, and how to help your child prepare.
What To Expect
- After the initial welcome to the event, parents will be dismissed from the tournament area, but will need to remain in the building. You will be waiting for quite a while, so be sure to bring activities to keep yourself occupied.
- Remember there is just as much for your child to learn from their losses as their victories. Be ready to walk through their games afterwards to see what went well, and talk about what they would like to improve or work on for the next time.
- Stick around for the award ceremony at the end – there are often awards for lots of different categories and accomplishments.
- Don’t interfere with the game. Whatever happens on the boards is between the players and the judge of the tournament.
What To Pack
- Snacks – lots and lots of snacks. However, most tournaments will have food and refreshments available for purchase as well.
- Water
- Something for you to do while you wait – books, magazines, puzzles, etc.
How To Prepare
- Register early to take advantage of discounts.
- Make sure your child understands the basic rules of how each piece moves and how to play.
- Play practice games at home.
- Read through tournament emails and paperwork so you know where to park, where to check in, and the general timeframe for the day.
- Go over tournament etiquette ahead of time with your child.
- Remind your child that while trophies and prizes are awesome, the goal of these tournaments are for kids to do their best, have fun, and make friends.
- Get a good night of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and show up early on the day of the event.
- Remember the world of chess tournaments is new for both of you, so don’t set too high of expectations for the first one.
Chess tournaments are a great opportunity for kids to connect, learn, and grow in a supportive and exciting environment. Click here to find local Chess Wizards tournaments happening near you!
