What’s next for Chad
Third grader is current N.C. K-3 state chess champion
Lindsay Lancaster
Published: Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 5:18 p.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, January 15, 2009 at 5:18 p.m.
Chad Moody, 8, furrows his brow. You can almost see the wheels in his head turning as he considers his options and waits for his opponent to make his next move on the chess board. He clasps his hands behind his back and rocks side to side on his legs. His eyes glance quickly over the board, his bright, young mind processing the consequences of each potential move of his opponent and himself. In six swift moves, he conquers his unsuspecting 30-something challenger.
Moody’s the current North Carolina K-3 state champion in chess. Earlier this month, he competed in the under 1400 section at the Reverse Angle 12 at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and shared first place with an opponent.
He’s tried his luck against school mates, people several times his age and even nuclear engineers – and won. At a recent tournament, where he was rated 1165, his adult opponent, rated at 1430, continued to shake his head the entire match. The tournament closed with a draw, or a tie.
“It was a big upset,” says Chad’s father, Scott. “It was a good game for him.”
Moody’s already won 24 chess tournament trophies and helped to win eight team chess trophies for his school, Veritas Christian Academy, where he is a third grader.
People of all different walks of life play chess, from homeless folks who maneuver their kings and queens in the park to doctors, lawyers and children.
“All that goes away over the chess board,” Scott says.
Here is the full article.
Go Chad!