April Queens’ Academy at Bookman’s
Everyone had a great time at the April Queens’ Academy, the first to be held at Bookman’s in Tucson. There were lots of new faces and some familiar ones as well. We were excited to teach several newcomers how the pieces move and some basic rules, and they were playing games by the end of the 2-hour session!
For the advanced group, our focus was on preparing for the state tournament on April 26. I went over one of my games from state several years ago, and we talked about planning ahead and playing strategic chess. The girls did very well when asked to brainstorm about possible plans in the positions I gave them. They were all excited to tell me about all their plans when they played practice games later. Below is a position from one of our most advanced player’s games. She told me that her plan had been to trap black’s king in the center and attack by placing her pieces on strong squares. She has succeeded in doing this, but how should she finish it off?
Hint: Look for a two move checkmate.
A photographer from the Arizona Daily Star also came to the Queens’ Academy to take photos for a great article about 9 Queens and the upcoming Chess Fest! Check out the article at www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/290017.php
