Tales of the Unexpected... or battle scars of a chess parent!
Fortunately I was brought up on a culture of debunking urban myths and during my short time as a chess circuit parent, my goodness I have heard and seen a few! One would think living in the internet age (just google it!) with a danger of drowning in chess websites, that all the information for your child to progress or otherwise would be at your fingertips..............alas not! I have yet to discover the ‘idiots’ guide’ to being a chess parent, so I thought it would be helpful to offer one or two helpful (non-playing) tips in no particular order, and deep apologies to those who have swallowed the chess parents handbook of ‘insider knowledge but never to be spoken out loud’.
Tip 1:
There is a big difference between Grand Prix’s (GPs) and training days. GPs are graded (see below) and the scores are cumulative ending in the best four of six scores in a seasonal competition; training days are not graded but are great days to learn from experts, and are exceptional value for money. Both events also give the opportunity for your child to make friends and kick a football about.
Tip 2:
Gradings are very important to your child’s progress; do visit the ECF website which has a very user-friendly guide for the facts. It is worth checking when entering a competition whether is it ‘graded’ or not. Not every local organiser chooses to make this clear.
Tip 3:
ECF equals English Chess Federation, the governing body of English Chess (not sure about the Welsh or Cornish?). Do visit their website for all sorts of useful information, including a very helpful calendar of events: www.englishchess.org.uk
Tip 4:
The ‘London Tournament’ is a big occasion for talented players of all ages; just because your child did not qualify at your ‘local’ qualifying tournament all is not lost! Be aware that your child can attend any number of qualifying tournaments (fact: there is no limit); See www.ljcc.co.uk for further information on the 23 or so qualifying tournaments.
Tip 5:
Food. There is an astonishing variance in food offered at different venues; some offer very nourishing healthy options, others ‘ping’ food at its worst. We always take a Sainsbury munch bag just in case.
Tip 6:
Other parents. I have learnt more about the chess world from other parents, who in the main are very keen in help. If in doubt chat over a cup of tea and ask!
The chess circuit can be demanding, draining but of course very rewarding seeing your child achieve or excel at their level of competence. I have had a lot of fun myself but as you may have gathered from this piece the onus from the ‘chess world’ at the beginning is very much on you.
