THOUGHTS OF A CHESS ADDICT

                          Some of my younger students took part at the recent Toa Payoh West CC tournament on 25 November, honing their skills against the others and did well. There were 8 of them who took part, 3 in the Open category and 5 in the age groups. Only 1 did not manage any prize but he enjoyed his games and was all fired up to the next tournament. Satisfaction comes when we see them pit their wits against older players and pushing them. Royce floored his opponent's Hungarian variation of the KID and duly refuted his opponent's risky Kingside attack, while Shi Hao had NM Koh Kum Hong on the ropes but the older man managed to draw on his experience to find a draw. Hui Ling, I Shiang, Elliot, Tricia, Jonathan and first time playing David all managed merit prizes. A good day ...

I am planning a 3 day 4-hr a day workshop for players who are taking part in the coming National Age Group Championships from 17-21  Dec. Date is 4 to 6 Dec , time 9am to 1 pm or 3 to 7pm .  Venue to be advised. If I get more than 6 participants I will have 2 sessions in 2 different venues, one in Central and the other in the West. The workshop will cover mainly aspects in preparation, clock control ( how to maximise the 4 hour game time) and also thought processes (calculation) used in conducting such games. Each session per day is $50 (inclusive of materials and refreshments). This is open to all (not just my students) so if you are keen about it, please feel free to contact me at 97985479 or email me at jfan2003@gmail.com for further details.