Monday 4 December 2017

9th London Chess Classic: Junior Avalanche


It's all very well having chess world champions, an abundance of other titled players, conferences and other events going on at the London Chess Classic, but today brought a timely reminder of what Chess in Schools and Communities is really all about. 390 extremely excited children descended on Olympia for a full day of wonderful chess activities, masterminded by London Coordinator Jonathan Bryant.

All of the children enjoyed coaching sessions and simultaneous displays from CSC tutors and then the Chris and Lawrence Show, in which Grandmaster Chris Ward and International Master Lawrence Trent entertained and instructed the children in the main auditorium. Some of the children were even invited to the main stage to play games using the special boards so the we could all see their moves being transmitted on the big screens. Imagine that - sitting in the chair of World Champion Magnus Carlsen!

A long queue of eager juniors
Lunch and chess - a perfect combination
The start of the Chris and Lawrence Show.
Juniors taking over the Grandmaster boards
Lawrence taking the questions
The juniors' names were added to the big screens
Meanwhile, in the other room...
Coaching from our CSC tutors - including Sabrina

I always like to see the staff getting involved
Ready for the tournament
Excellent concentration


There are no quiet days at the London Chess Classic and there will be lots more reports to come.

Missed a report? Head for the index.


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