Checkmate

Once a year I help run the chess tournament before summer break. I think the club has between 20-30 kids but only 14 were able to make it tonight. It was a great group. Ages range from 8 to 15 yrs old. I was impressed by the range of talent! Never underestimate a younger player. Almost anyone in that group could beat anyone. Without offical rankings, we seeded the kids and ran it Sweet 16 style with double elimination. Lots of great close games, younger kids giving the big boys a run for their money. Isaiah did great and was contending for the 3rd place game. You can see the boys enjoyed playing.

After 3+ hours of playing, there was still one game left . . . vying for third place are two brothers. . . they'll be playing this game at home in the living room . . . results to be announced at a later date. :)

the kids said he got lucky in beating out his older brother (last years champion) but I say there is no luck in chess - if you captialize on a mistake you deserve that win. . . he had a good run tonight.

and last years runner up clitched the deal and brought the big one home this year. WHOOO HOOO Mathias! Keep it up! Brawn, beauty, and brains . . . that's my boy.

First Place Winner: Mr. Ramirez