Welcome back y’all.
I am dropping this note at a very exciting time for the chess team. The word ‘growth’ would be an understatement at this point. Strap in – the rest of the year is going to be quite a whirlwind…
CITY CHAMPIONSHIP (Feb 1-2)
As of this morning, we have 37 (!!) students registered. This is a mind-blowing number, which really puts in perspective how far we’ve come. We are working on getting a team room, and we will have coaching support. It is not too late to register – https://www.q300chess.com/full-tournament-schedule (look for “Greater NYC Scholastic”). There are sections available on both Saturday and Sunday (you don’t need to play both days).
HOME TOURNAMENT (Feb 9)
This one is a no-brainer – come out to support our cause. Sections available for all levels, including total beginner. Probably the best event in the city for someone who is just getting started. We want to see a huge turnout – please register ASAP. Q300 folks – use Saudin’s discount code for an extra $15 off. Registration link: https://nychesskids.wufoo.com/forms/zby3gst18g6431. Invite friends from other schools!
Request – We need parent volunteers to contribute drinks/snacks/bites, and to help at the food/drinks table. Please reach out to Carol.
STATE / NATIONALS (March / May)
Circle the dates! March 14-15 = State Championship (Saratoga Springs). May 8-10 = K-6 Nationals (Nashville). We are going big. Hint – airline tickets to Nashville are very cheap right now…
TEAM SHIRT ORDERS
The next batch will go out on March 1, to arrive in time for Saratoga. Please fill out the form to order: https://www.q300chess.com/shirts. Payment in person to Mark.
PUZZLE CHALLENGE
On December 25, we kicked off a school-wide ‘challenge’ – complete 200+ LiChess puzzles in one month while maintaining at least the same puzzle rating. This happens to be the first ever Q3CT-funded event. The challenge is not easy by any stretch – it requires a lot of patience. We timed it to occur ahead of “championship season” – the primary goal is to prepare the kids for Cities and State. So far participation has been very impressive! As of this morning, we have 17 free entry winners, and many more who completed the “volume” part. Everyone who does 200+ (regardless of rating) by Saturday 12pm (Challenge end time) will be mentioned at the Feb 9 home tournament. You can follow the latest results here: https://www.q300chess.com/puzzle-challenge-standings. We are considering adding more effort-based ‘challenges’ in the near future – stay tuned.
NOTABLE RESULTS
December and January has featured several Q3CT forays into local scholastic events, in preparation for the big ones. Many great results, but if I had to pick one to mention – 6th grader Andy Jiang swept through the open Section of the January 11 Chess-in-schools event @ PS 59 with a 3-0. A major accomplishment given how challenging CIS tournaments are.
TOURNAMENT PREP / VIDEO LESSONS.
Keep working through these! All instructions are here: q300chess.com/video-lessons. These are basically free recorded lessons by Saudin, with an interactive, puzzle-solving component. Strongly recommended.
Please reach out to me if you have any questions. Good luck to our huge team going to Cities, and see you all there.
Yours,
Q3CT Leads (Sergey, Mark, Carol, Luke)
