Time to Stop Being Goofy: National K-12 Grades Begin in Orlando

American chess icons Nakamura, Robson, and Abrahamyan will NOT be in Orlando this weekend, but all three have played in the National K-12 Grade Championships in years past!

Over 2,300 talented and dedicated young players will be striving to join these above-mentioned US Chess Olympiad Team Members as National Champions of their respective grades. Yes, many current GMs have competed in this event over the years, so following this event — with my updates, on the tournament results page, or by watching rounds five through seven on Twitch with WGM Sabina Foisor and FM Gauri Shankar — could be your opportunity to tell your grandchildren, “I remember her playing in an event 15 years before she became World Champion!”

Weather Report: Partly cloudy, with lows in the mid-60’s and highs about 10 degrees warmer. In other words, almost perfect!

Not Just First Place, but National Champions!

Starting Friday afternoon, players in 13 scholastic sections, from Kindergarten to 12th grade, will compete to become National Champions*. No other event on the annual calendar gives out even close to the “baker’s dozen” National Champion titles as this one does. With no “Under” sections, this event has gained a reputation as one which the casual scholastic players avoid. I remember my own top students fighting to score 50% back in the early 2000’s. That said, for players who are new to tournaments, be sure to attend the "My First Tournament" seminar Friday at 9:30 a.m.

*When a player wins an “Under” section at a Spring Nationals event, they earn First Place, but are not given the title of National Champion.

Stories of Streaks and Achievements

As side events begin on Thursday, countless worthwhile stories will unfold in dramatic fashion. There will be upsets, amazing moves, agonizing defeats, and cheering parents and coaches. I will attempt to corral some of the gems of the weekend, but heading into this week, I already noticed a few.

1. NM Nate Shuman, FM Gus Huston, along with their 12th grade team from Dalton will be vying to win their 10th consecutive National Grade Level Championship (it started in third grade, and they are now seniors!).

The "fab five" since kindergarten have been (from right to left in the photo) Nate Shuman, Gus Huston, Julia Miyasaka, Veda Safranek, Pippa Lee. In ninth grade, Ryan Peterson joined the Dalton team. They are coached by WIM Beatriz Marinello.

2. Oak Hall School from Gainesville, Florida, seems to be the favorite in a couple of the younger grades despite the fact that there are more players from New York (904) than there are from the host state (Florida has 885). Those NY teams are always at the top of the standings, but Oak Hall hopes to be right there with them!

3. GM Maurice Ashley has exciting things happening. We will talk with him and share the news over the next few days.

Let the Games Begin

Players, parents, and coaches will arrive en masse on Thursday, with many jumping right into the side events, beginning with the Bughouse Championship at 11 a.m. and followed by the Blitz Championships at 5 p.m in both K-6 and K-12 sections.

The side events continue on Friday morning, with resident GM Vladimir Georgiev playing a simultaneous exhibition at 9 a.m., and the “My First Tournament” seminar at 9:30 a.m. GM Georgiev will continue entertaining our young chess-lovers in the afternoon, taking on all comers in blitz at 2 p.m. and giving a lecture at 4:15 p.m. See the schedule of events for more opportunities to learn from GM Georgiev.

The main event kicks off with the Opening Ceremony at 12:45 p.m., followed by the first round at 1 p.m. for grades 2-12 and 1:30 p.m. for grades K-1.

The next report will come out Saturday morning to give you a peek into the event with upsets, simul results, winners from Blitz & Bughouse, photos from Caroline King, and more. Stay tuned!

Quick Links

All coverage on Chess Life Online

Twitch (rounds five through seven)

Twitter hashtag #K12Grades