Elementary School Once a Week Coaching

Dear Caissa,

Today I paired the experienced players of the Gesu Chess club against each other.

I will put the tournament style pairings sheet on the wall. This will remind them how it works in tournaments. I will remind them of the touch move rule, and silence. If they have a problem, they should raise their hand, and wait for an arbiter.

I will also be asking for them to notate the first ten moves. This will refresh their memories regarding chess language. I will need, 1.Notation Sheets 2.Pencils 3. Notation instructions. 4.Clocks set for 1/2 hour can be used if available.

Coaches Mike and Brian will serve as Arbiters and teachers for this group.

I will take the beginners group.  I plan on teaching the Kings, the Queens, and pawns if there is time.
I will use the laser pointer, demonstration board, and constantly name squares, just to get them used to it. I will have them play mini games with just these pieces.  I will need King and Queen and pawn sheets for them. I will need Checkmate and Stalemate, explained.

*Game one- King on King, If White can get across the Board White wins. If Black can stop White, Black Wins. * Game 2-King and Queen against the lone King. Take turns winning and not stalemating. *Game 3, opposite 2-1 pawn Majorities with Kings.

If this works, they will actually have a better foundation than some of the older players.

I only have about six sessions before they have an opportunity to play in one of Jim's wonderful beginner tournaments.

I plan to give homework sheets. Mate in one problems. I want them to sign them, and return them next week. We will keep a record of this and give out chess prizes to our best students, regardless of their ranking, or tournament success.

Sincerely,
This Old Patzer

(My Studies) Today I enjoyed more of Nigel Davies "Build a 1.d4 Repertoire"  and the "Kaufman Repertoire for Black and White". I am trying to see if a simple economical 1d4 opening can be crafted to my personal satisfaction, or if I just should adopt "A Strategic Chess Opening Repertoire for White, by John Watson, in its entirety.

I am happy to report that I have a comprehensive Black Repertoire scripted into Bookup  based on Dreev, Schandorff, Tiviakov, Lakdawala, Houska, Cox, Rizzitano, and Avrukh.

Now I am crafting the White side.

Good luck, self!