Chess Team at M.S. 890 Has Big Plans!
By M.S. 890 Chess Team
KENSINGTON/DITMAS PARK – On Saturday, May 18, the M.S. 890 Chess Team competed at the last Chess in the Schools tournament of the school year. It’s been a year of team-building, and confidence building too. 5 players – Sonam, Nelson, Asmit, Malik, William and their coach Chanise Thomas share their feelings at the board, and dreams for next year…
How do you feel when you are competing in a tournament?
“I feel nervous because as soon as I start playing, my opponent makes really good moves.” (Sonam)
“When I see my opponent I get scared, and as the game is going on, I get more calm…” (Nelson)
“It’s always a mix of emotions. I usually get super anxious knowing that I am going to compete, and then I enter the room filled with 100+ students and then anxiety takes over. It’s always that feeling of confidence and then actually sitting in front of your opponent and the game begins and then it all lies within the person your playing, you can either make a really good move or your person makes a mistake or vice versa and it can cost you the whole game” (Coach Chanise)
What do you find challenging at a chess tournament?
“What I find challenging in the game is where I get trapped or checked or forced to give up a piece. The moment someone loses their Queen is when the game could be pretty much over!” (Nelson)
“Something I feel challenging is when they are a higher rating.” (Sonam)
“The thing that makes it challenging is that it’s me versus 600 rating kids.” (Malik)
“I feel good. There is something to look forward to and if you lose a round you can learn from it and do better next time.” (Asmit)
“Myself! I get so caught up in my head, and sometimes it cost me the whole entire game” (Coach Chanise)
When playing, is there a moment when you realize the outcome of the game?
“I realize the outcome of the game as soon as me or my opponent makes a mistake.” (William)
“I realize when I lose, when I’m down a piece and I realize when I win, when I’m winning some pieces.” (Asmit)
“Yes! There is always that moment where you realize whether or not you or your opponent made a mistake.” (Coach Chanise)
What is your dream for MS 890 Chess in the 2019/2020 school year? What are your personal chess goals?
“I just want to win a trophy to represent MS 890” (Malik)
“I want to get a trophy, and I want us to work harder.” (Sonam)
“I’m looking forward to a strong chess team and winning at least one team trophy to show in MS 890. My dream is to get a team trophy, something!” (Asmit)
“To build a solid team, that can compete in tournaments through the new year and excel their skills to feel extremely confident at a nationals tournament.” (Coach Chanise)
What are your visions for next year with MS 890 chess?
Coach Chanise Thomas: Expanding the chess club not only as a studio for the students, but for all of the kids that would like to participate in the after school program. Preparing the students for tournaments the upcoming year, preparation for city championships, state championships and nationals. Making sure they are thinking about their best move. Having a solid team that can support each other throughout the year is my biggest aim as a coach.
When did you start playing chess and why? What are some difficulties you faced?
I started playing at the age of 8. Chess was introduced to my elementary school when I was in the third grade and has changed my life ever since. I started playing believing this was a game I can learn and it’s something new to introduce myself too.
What are your own personal goals for your own game, as a chess player yourself and as a coach of a middle school team?
Improving my strategy and being well prepared for every opening from my opponent. Being the best coach I can, encouraging my team to participate in as many games possible.
Building a relationship with them to make sure they are most comfortable with me and with their best moves. Tactics are key to each game, developing tactical skills that the team can conquer is the ideal goal to aim for.