Tom came in from school last week saying he had signed up for a small chess tournament at school. He often play chess in break times with friends, plays with Simon occasionally and has even got to play with gite guests.
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| Tom concentrating on a practice match with Simon |
Day one of the tournament loomed and we wondered how he would do. On coming home he announced there was both good news and bad news!
"The good news," he said looking very pleased with himself , "was that I won my match against A and I am now in the semi-finals!" Tom is only in his first year at secondary school and his opponent was in his third year so we were really pleased and proud he had won.
"But the bad news is I am now going up against the best player on the school," he continued. G is also in Tom's class but has been playing chess at a club since he was five and is ranked the 12th best player in France for his age group. "I don't think I'm going to get to the final," he said, "but I'll give it my best shot!"
And he was beaten although not without holding off his opponent for a while and managing a few good moves. Well done Tom! For some-one who is pretty much self-taught we are really proud of his progress and this achievement. Chess is a brilliant game (one I wish I could play) and for children it offers numerous benefits. Research indicates it can help to:
- Raise IQ
- Increase creativity
- Improve memory
- Improve problem solving skills
- Improve concentration
- Teach planning and foresight.
- It may even help to ward off the onset on Alzheimer's .
So Tom - you have chosen well in learning to play chess and we are very proud of you. Keep at it and one day you may well win beat G and win that tournament. In between I am sure you will have a lot of fun!
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