Chess Tournament

This past weekend was Noah's first "real" chess tournament. We had NO idea what to expect when we signed up, nor if Noah was even ready for actual competition. But after some reassurance from his Coach and seeing Noah's excitement at the thought of playing in the tournament, we signed up! We loaded up in the car around 7:30 Saturday morning and headed north to the Carefree Resort and Villas. We had already decided to make the best of the weekend, especially for Noah, so we began with a stop at Dunkin' Donuts on the way. :)


As soon as we pulled into the parking lot (across the street because the main lot was packed) I knew we were out of our league. Every kid was carrying a personalized case (filled with chess goodies I'm sure), and all the parents were well prepared....unlike us. They had tents and chairs, coolers and snacks, chess boards and more. Oh boy, this whole idea of making the best of it, may be tougher than we thought. We found the posted K-2 Boy's pairings and found Noah's name, who he was playing, and where. Noah was only one of a handful of players who were unrated going into the tournament and his competitor was not one of them. At this point, we entered the hall, found his board, and he and Eric sat to play a practice game. Caleb and I sat off to the side and it was then when the thoughts began. What are we doing? Does he really know how to play chess....like literally following the real rules....no take backs? :) Oh great, he's going to loose, start crying, and ask to go home. When it was time for the round to begin, the parents were ushered outside and so begins the wait. Being the clueless chess parents that we were, we had no idea we would have to leave him alone, so we had not set up a place to meet him. We also had no idea how long it would take. Needless to say, when Noah's game was finished, he came outside, couldn't find us, and immediately started crying. Good Mom and Dad.


After two matches, a stalemate and a loss, we headed out for lunch and then back to the tournament for 2 more rounds. That afternoon, we hung out with Noah's Coach and his girlfriend and just enjoyed the amazing weather. Saturday was a perfect winter day in the desert....temperatures in the mid 70s with bright sunshine and blue skies. In addition to the four official games of chess Noah played that day, he must have played an additional 20 games. We left for the day, with Noah scoring one point. He was so happy and Eric and I couldn't have been more proud. He was 0-2 for the day and had 2 stalemates, which scored him a half point each.


On Sunday, we were much more prepared. The forecast was not looking good, but at least we were prepared with warmer clothes and umbrellas....and chairs. The day was miserable, weather wise, but we had lots of fun with our new friends and Noah continued to amaze us. With three rounds on Sunday, he finished with 1.5 points, a stalemate, a loss, and FINALLY a checkmate! It was the last round of the tournament and because it was freezing cold and pouring rain outside, the parents were allowed in the hall...so we knew he had won before he came over to tell us. I'm pretty sure I was crying. :) He finished 61st out of 88 players in his division scoring a total of 2.5 points!


Noah is such a cool kid. After every round he would strut out of the hall, huge smile on his face, saying, "I did good!" We'd say, "Awesome buddy! Did you win?" He'd say "No. Can we play chess?" He is so sweet, so funny, and quickly becoming an amazing chess player. There is a whole other world out there of chess players and competitions, that was so far removed from my and Eric's world. But thanks to Noah, we have been exposed to a new world, new friends, and new fun. Congrats Noah on playing in your first tournament and doing so well! You make us proud!

Noah deep in thought during his final pairing.

Yay, Noah!