THOUGHTS OF A CHESS ADDICT

As we say goodbye to 2016, here's some of the confirmed events the public can look forward to and plan: JANUARY The Kickoff Rapid Chess tournament at Nanyang CC on 22 January. Details at SCF website FEBRUARY Thomson Chess Club Champion for members only on February 19. Details shall be announced on the Thomson Chess Club blog soon. Siglap South CC Hong Bao Rapid tournament on February 26. MARCH The 69th National Schools taking place near 20-24 March at Tampines Hub. Details shall be announced later. Other Centres like Thomson, Siglap South and Queenstown should resume their weekly Club activities after January 3rd. The Asia Square meetup continues each Wednesday with consistent crowds of 30+ players so its a good idea to bring your set and clock if you have. Happy Chess in 2017!

Here's a summary report for all students who worked with me in 2016 and also new students that have just enrolled. I use this to monitor their progress and track their areas for improvement. Nathaniel Cheng (3rd from right) started with me May 2016. In the space of 5 months, he has astonished many (including me) in his progress from finishing 35th in last year's Nee Soon East Chess Challenge to 3rd place in this year's National Age Group! I attribute this to constant practice and diligently going through my opening notes. He scored well in positions where he'd gotten advantage from good opening preparation. More needs to be done in his endgames which will form the basis for our work next year. Jayden became my student since March 17 just before the 68th National Schools' Individuals, finishing 25th. He has generally good foundation, but tends to overestimate his own chances in analysis. Having reformed his repertoire to suit his playing style, he has made steady pro...