02.12.18 Over fifty young chess players from six K-8 schools participated in the third (although the first was canceled due to weather) and final K-8 Chess Afternoon of the season at Ellsworth Elementary/Middle School on Monday, February 12, 2018. These all-play-all, fun events are a great way to introduce new players to tournament-like conditions and also provide more experienced players an opportunity to play against each other in non-rated play.

These events are a rare offering on the chess calendar. We don't see too many, if any at all, non-rated fun events for K-8 players. The six schools participating in the event were: Airline Community School, Bucksport Middle School, Conners Emerson School, Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School, Ellsworth Elementary/Middle School, and Fort O'Brien School.

As with most chess events, this one would not have taken place without the hard work and dedication of a number of volunteers. We are greatly indebted to all the volunteer coaches, chaperones, parents, drivers, and all who helped pull this event off smoothly. A special shout out to Ellsworth Elementary/Middle School and their super supportive, chess patron principal Jim Newett.

The main playing room for the event

The values of Ellsworth Elementary/Middle School and, coincidently, some of the values that chess instills

As a legendary chess coach from Deer Isle-Stonington once said, "Without snacks we wouldn't have a chess club!" Thanks to Ellsworth Elementary/Middle School principal Jim Newett for providing the venue and the snacks.

The following shots are a mini photo essay on the many benefits of scholastic chess including concentration, determination, and problem solving.

Maine Chess Association president Andy Bryan was at the event with students from the Airline Community School chess team.

A closer look at Andy's tie

Chess team t-shirts from: Fort O'Brien School,

Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary, and

Ellsworth Elementary/Middle School.

Thanks Ellsworth Elementary/Middle School!

That's mate! See you all at the State Scholastic Team Championships on March 10th. (See the ChessMaine.net events page for more details.)