A few weeks ago at Chess Club the director told us we should sign Vegkid up for a tournament. I wasn't so sure he was ready. But Vegkid said YES YES YES YES.... OK!
Well little did I know that this was such a big deal. I mean some of the older kids competing for full College Scholarships. The younger kids competing for trophies and a chance to go to State and National Championships.
GOODNESS... I thought it was just a game of Chess? So we arrive at 7:30am. Along with 100's of other people.
We show up with Food to get us through the day, water, and an iPad hoping that we could stay entertained for a bit. I also had paper and books to read, and my schoolwork. But who could concentrate on school work with all the flurry happening about. The hurry up and wait factor was an understatement.
If your kid was playing, you were on pins and needles. If your kid was done, you had to wait till ALLLLLL the other kids were done. Then you had to run down the hallway and find your next place on the board. But if they didn't post yet, then you stand and wait. Because if you miss the pairings, then you are disqualified.
The rules of the game were harsh. NO TALKING, NO Touching pieces unless you planned to move or take them, and no leaving your seat. There were more, but I don't remember them all.
Vegkid listened intently to all the rules. I could see him sinking further in to his chair. "Could he really not talk for the entire length of a game?" I thought to myself. I'm Positive he was thinking the same thing.
Also having to think of your move BEFORE you touch the piece would be a huge challenge for him. That slight little change caused the kiddo to make some mistakes during his first round.
But he won.. and we squealed inside. First round of first tournament... We didn't squeal outside because other kids were playing and we weren't allowed to speak in that area. BUT we also didn't squeal outside because I wanted Veg to feel OK whether he won or lost. I mean this is his first tournament, first time playing these rules, AND first time playing with 100's of other kids lined up like little soldiers.
For him to follow all the rules, concentrate, stay focused, not talk, sit up straight, and treat his competition with respect via handshakes, I couldn't have been a prouder Vegmom, and in my mind he won the whole thing. *smile*
OK, so back to the games:
He won Round ONE. Walked off the playing area, and I shook his hand.... Round Two.. Suspense... He won.. Walked off the playing area and I shook his hand.
Then came round three. He was paired up with one of the most advanced players in one of the Chess Clubs. He lost. I still shook his hand. He said "Mom, I lost, why are you shaking my hand?".
My answer "Because, I watched how you played, and you were amazing" He smiled and we moved on.
I noticed in the rankings he was still in 6th place. At this point he still had a chance to go to State Championships. I was shocked and proud and concerned all at the same time.
He played a girl three times between rounds and won all three. He played his Dad, and finally beat him as if his game had been kicked up a notch. He was on a roll. But the remaining official rounds would not end in his favor and yet, he stayed in good spirits. We talked a lot about winning/losing and how he played the game. He admitted to staying up too late and how more sleep could have helped. We talked about things he could do different next time and how proud we were.
His respect for the other players was amazing and frankly surprising. At home he can be a little difficult in the game playing Sportsmanship Department. But at that tournament, he was a Gentleman. And I was glowing from ear to ear.
We stayed for the trophy ceremony, being pretty positive that he didn't get anything, but wanted to support those that did win. Then they started calling names. One by One starting at the bottom. Ribbons, medals, tiny trophies, were given away. Prizes were getting bigger, but still his name wasn't called. Hubs and I sat there thinking they lost his name or something. We were trying to figure out how to explain that to him. He was sitting with all the other kids and I could tell his heart was pounding.
THEN, they called his name. The boy JUMPED up, his hand in the air. "Thats Me Thats Me" he screamed. Went around and shook the mans hand for his trophy. Such an exciting moment. He was in the top 12 of the Region and got a perfect size Trophy.
Sorry, I had to crop, but I'll tell you there was a smile on this kids face that will never be forgotten.
When this long long long day was done, what do you suppose he wanted to do as soon as we walked in the door???
YUP, Play Chess. He and his Dad have played 4 times since. And the kid has won 3 of the 4.
As for me, I don't even know what a Rook is. I just wait until I hear someone say Check-Mate, then I know who won the game.
Turned out to be a great experience and one we will likely do again. The Leader of his chess club came up to talk to us and explain that Chess is a lot like Math. He said "It's not like he is doing algebra at this age, and same goes with Chess, he will advance as time goes on"
Ummmm... but he is doing Algebra at this age.... Oh Sigh.. again I say. "Where did this kid come from?"
