The board was set, the pawns were moved, and the tiny tactician blundered into a sharp corner.
Watching these young minds battle it out on the chessboard is both exciting and heartwarming. But sometimes, even the best players fall into what you might call a “self-inflicted woe.” It’s that moment when a simple mistake or oversight costs them the game-like forgetting to protect a key piece or falling into an obvious trap. The good news? These little setbacks are all part of the learning process. Each game teaches kids how to think ahead, stay calm under pressure, and bounce back stronger next time. So, while self-inflicted woes might feel frustrating in the moment, they’re actually just stepping stones on the path to becoming chess champs!
Before Tournament Begins
Saturday marked the shiny debut of this event center hosting a chess tournament—and boy, was it a scene! The boards and pieces were all proudly perched on tables, ready for some serious mind battles. But then… wait for it… the timers and pencils were AWOL! Yep, no tick-tock countdowns or penciled-in moves in sight.
Thankfully, our savvy competitors didn’t just sit there twiddling their knights. They swooped in like punctual superheroes, helping complete the setup faster than you can say “checkmate.” Who knew that while plotting world domination over 64 squares, these players doubled as impromptu event staff? Just goes to show: when it comes to chess tournaments, teamwork isn’t just for the game!
Now the physical woe
Have you ever been to a chess tournament? If not, picture this: it’s a lot like wrestling—minus the spandex and dramatic slams on the mat. The competitors don’t just sit still like statues; between matches, they take breaks that are surprisingly active.
The woe happened during a break in matches. A group was out in the hall (many people) messing around. Bryn, fell and hit her head on the sharp corner of the wall trim. She comes back into our assigned room, crying and blood running down her face.
My daughter is a RN with her master’s degree. The nurse went into action! She was calm. The parents assisted as well. Stitches were not needed (even though the cut looks not good).
Yesterday is today’s memory.
Be sure to capture your moment today!
Take care and best wishes.
Debra Ellen