THOUGHTS OF A CHESS ADDICT

Someone asked if I had a coach when I played competitively. It does stir up some memories...hence I decided to answer this question in a blog post. I started getting serious in chess when I was in Sec 1 in RI. There was a chess club in the school, so Friday afternoons were spent in the club playing casual games. I had discovered then that there were books published in chess a year ago, so I started combing the Hullett Memorial Library in RI and found a big treasure trove. Informants, Batsford Opening manuals, game collections were abound and I started reading everything I could get my hands on. For that reason, I became a Librarian. Even that could not whet my appetite for more chess material. I stumbled upon the National Library in Stamford Rd and found more books and chess magazines! Each    issue of Chess Life, Chess (Sutton Coldfield) puzzles section was religiously photocopied and that became my daily chess breakfast. Reading interesting stories of the young emerging Garry Kasparo

I post the results of my students at the recently completed National School's Individuals Some have improved their placings, while others have slipped down owing to losing their last round games. I am pleased overall with their performance, especially first timers Jaryl Seah in the U11 and Tan Qi Xuan in the U10. Both have started less than 6 months with me and I see good potential if they work hard in their practices. For those who finished 3.5 pts or less, it goes to show that success on the chessboard cannot come from just taking lessons alone. A lot of hard work must be put into constant practice, going through the notes and revising them. No teacher can play the games for you or help you during the games. You have to be accountable for your results. I specially congratulate Royce, Hui Ling, Adrian for their fine finish amongst the top 5 and also Mitchell who came in 11th despite a strong field. Royce is the only student who took part in all 3 days of competition and did well t

Tnere will be no chess session tonight at Thomson CC. Please note.

This will be the last league game for both leagues, for those who have not completed their games please show up. I will not be present on 15 March, will announce if the club session is on pending volunteers who can open the club. John Wong