I ran my first session on Saturday and another is due tonight in the first week of the Training Squad 2012. The group of kids on Saturday were unbelievably keen, and I set a test which I thought was very tough, and was surprised with what the kids already know. The course we have prepared is pretty challenging, but we may be able to make it even more advanced than we thought. The level of improvement will depend on a number of factors. Firstly, of course, each student has to get down and put in some hard work. We coaches will direct each student in what we feel they should work on, and also help to improve 2 aspects of their play: base knowledge and thinking processes. It is important to know as many tricks and ideas as possible, but it is equally important to be able to put them into practice during games.
Therefore part of each week's homework will be to play. Sometimes we will be playing in adult weekender tournaments such as Ballarat. But when there are no other games to be played, such as RJ Shields, or Interschool events, then there is still online chess. Playing is an important element in any player's development, but studying your games is also important, so each week you should try to examine at least one of your games (preferably one you lost) to see where you could have played better.
Another weekly homework is to test yourself with tactical exercises. These may sometimes be given out by your coach, or else you may be directed to do a certain amount of chess tactics at the chesstempo website. You will need to send your username to carl@chesskids.com.au so that your progress can be followed. This week you need to do at least 50 puzzles. Take your time to get as many right as possible, as I could be showing your mistakes to the rest of your group!
Carl Gorka
Therefore part of each week's homework will be to play. Sometimes we will be playing in adult weekender tournaments such as Ballarat. But when there are no other games to be played, such as RJ Shields, or Interschool events, then there is still online chess. Playing is an important element in any player's development, but studying your games is also important, so each week you should try to examine at least one of your games (preferably one you lost) to see where you could have played better.
Another weekly homework is to test yourself with tactical exercises. These may sometimes be given out by your coach, or else you may be directed to do a certain amount of chess tactics at the chesstempo website. You will need to send your username to carl@chesskids.com.au so that your progress can be followed. This week you need to do at least 50 puzzles. Take your time to get as many right as possible, as I could be showing your mistakes to the rest of your group!
Carl Gorka
Find white's winning move here
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