Have fun and learn

Grade-schoolers test their chess gambits
By TaLeiza Calloway
• January 30, 2010

WAITE PARK — The hallways at Discovery Community School were packed Saturday for the 2010 Regional K-6 Chess Tournament. More than 100 students from 36 schools came to outthink opponents and strategize victory.

Tournament Director Janet Wood said the annual event has been going on for about 19 years. Sponsored by Resource Training & Solutions and the St. Cloud school district, it promotes sportsmanship and allows students to have fun, she said.

“I’m amazed at the kids that sit there and play. They’re very disciplined,” Wood said. “We just want them to come and have fun and learn about chess.”

Six-year-old Erin Juhlwas excited about her first chess tournament. She often watches her twin brothers, Ian and Evan, play at home and they share a few moves, she said. All made their tournament debut Saturday.

“I just like to play,” Juhl said. “It’s a little hard because when you touch it (a piece) you have to move it.”

Her mother, Marla Juhl, said their father and grandfather play chess so the game is a family tradition.

The tournament was also a new experience for Noelle and Courtney Huver of Big Lake. Jennifer Huver, their mother, said they are already looking forward to next year.

“I think it’s a great experience,” Jennifer Huver said. “They learn that they have to keep playing if they want to get better.”

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