The US Chess Federation will be hosting a national chess competition at the Gaylord Convention Center on the weekend of April 26-28th. This is an exciting event because it only comes around every 3-4 years. I will be in the lobby of the Gaylord for the entire duration of the competition to conduct chess merit badge meetings. Please note, you do not have to participate in this competition to earn a chess merit badge.
I will be at the tournament during these days and hours –
a. April 26th – Friday 1 pm – 8 pm
b. April 27th – Saturday 9 am – 8 pm
c. April 28th – Sunday 9 am – 3 pm
If this is your first merit badge event, you can find more information regarding Merit Badges here: http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Merit_Badges
PRELIMINARY
1. Scouts should contact their Merit Badge Coordinator to request a BLUE CARD for Chess Merit Badge. Please BRING THIS CARD with you when we meet.
2. Email me with the scout’s name, day and time you would like to meet. The meeting can take anywhere from 1 -3 hours, depending on your chess background and your preparations. For example, if you complete the attached worksheet, you should finish within 2 hours comfortably.
3. Scout should come with a parent or friend as I am not allowed to talk to any scouts without a second person present.
4. What to bring when we meet: (1) blue card, (2) worksheet (below), (3) pen/pencil. I will have chess boards, scoresheets and clocks.
5. Please text me at 214-883-8771 once you arrived so we can find each other. I do not have a designated area for the meeting yet.
PREPARATIONS
1. Know the requirements to complete your merit badge. The requirements are listed here: http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Chess.
2. Print the Worksheet (http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Chess).
3. Study the Pamphlet (download it here: https://tinyurl.com/chesspamphlet). You can also borrow a hardcopy of the Chess Pamphlet from your troop librarian or purchase one at the Scout Shop.
4. Use the Pamphlet to complete the Worksheet. If you take time to thoughtfully fill out the worksheet ahead of time, you will have more time to learn, interact and have fun.
5. If you get stuck on a concept, you can also study the PowerPoint Presentations at the end of this website: http://meritbadge.org/wiki/index.php/Chess.
6. Make sure to complete part of Requirement 3. You will need to teach someone who does not know how to play chess using the EDGE method. We can finish the remainder of requirement 3 when we meet.
7. Plan how to complete Requirement 6. Plan to do one of these:
- a. Play 3 games with me or another scout (my two scouts may be available to play if you choose this option).
- b. Participate in a tournament.
- i. If you have a USCF ID and you are a 9th grader or under, then you can participate in this national tournament. Register here ASAP: http://www.uschess.org/tournaments/2019/jhs/. Plan to meet me after you have 2-3 of notated games. 10th graders and up can participate in the Friends and Family tourney on Sat.
- ii. You can participate in this tournament even if you are new to chess competition. Make sure you understand the time commitment (3-days) and the rules (most new players trip up here. For example, if you touch a piece, you will move that piece). You can also participate in a local tournament. This one takes place on 4/20 and is great for beginners: http://www.uschess.org/tlas/11085.tla. Make sure you study Requirement 4a and notate 2-3 games.
- iii. You will need to register for the tournament on your own. Note the deadlines and there are fees associated with these tournaments.
- c. Organize a chess tournament. This is probably the best place to recruit chess players for your tournament.
7. It’s Ok if you get stuck on something and can’t finish the worksheet. Do your best and we can work through the rest when we meet.
MERIT BADGE COMPLETION
In order to finish this merit badge during the meeting, you will need to complete Requirement #3a before we meet as it might be difficult (although not impossible) to locate a person who does not know how to play chess at this place.
I look forward to meeting you and learning about Chess! Please let me know if you have questions or concerns that I can help with before then!
See you soon!
Audrey
awade@wadeiplaw.com
C: 214-883-8771