THOUGHTS OF A CHESS ADDICT

 1897 registered for the NSI this March 16-17 @ the OCBC Arena. A new venue, with good access by public transport. This sets another National record for the number of participants in a National Chess event. Good news, but perhaps a good reflection point. 2 students took part in the U10 category - Gabriel scored 5/9 and had a won position against Shaun Yeo before he blundered his Queen in time trouble. He also managed to draw against Leanne Tan (39th), both commendable achievements given that this is his first NSI. He is now fired up to do more for his game and I am happy that he has now adopted the habit of reviewing his games after play. This will go a long way towards improvement. Jarell just joined me not long ago - he was not familiar with the coordinates and had difficulty recording his games. Nonetheless he picked up 5.5 pts this year finishing 125th out of 467 players.  My ex students also fared well, one scoring 5 pts while the other was the U10 Champ.   For ...

 It's a new venue this year, so many are worried how to get to the OCBC Arena on time.  Here's some information from my recce trip this morning - hope it helps! By CAR Enter by Carpark C from the main road passing McDonalds on your left (if coming from Stadium Boulevard) till the roundabout circus. Turn left to Carpark C and park along C1-9. There is an escalator from C7 and a lift opposite the escalator. Once on ground level turn left towards the entrance of the OCBC Arena. Head towards Hall 1 DROPOFF You can drop the children off by entering the dropoff instead of turning towards Carpark C. This is near the Circle Line MRT Stadium exit (far left). Turn left and walk towards the Arena Hall 1 BY SCHOOL BUS Buses should proceed to the Coach Bay and alight the students. After getting off walk towards Berth 9 and left right to the Arena Hall 1 MRT Stadium MRT on Circle Line is closest to the OCBC Arena. Exit B is closest to the OCBC Arena. Those coming from the North East please ...