Chess makes kids think

Put 60 kids in a room together and chances are you’ll have difficulty hearing anything over the dull roar of their chatter.

On Saturday at the Iowa City Public Library, however, the 60 children in attendance were so quiet you could her a pin drop.

Or, more accurately, a chess piece.

Meeting Room A of the Iowa City Public Library was the site of the library’s annual Kids’ Chess Tournament. Children’s librarian Katherine Hadley said the event — free to third- through sixth-grade students — was in its 13th year. Hadley said she started the event with local chess tutor and enthusiast Steve Young to give children who were interested in chess a neutral place to gather and play.

“It brings them into the library,” Hadley said, noting the library has all sorts of chess-related media available. “It gets kids away from computers.”

Children of all skill levels were paired off and pitted against one another. Winners went on to play other winners, while the others could stick around and continue playing. The lack of an elimination in the tournament meant participants could continue to play, learn and grow more comfortable with their skills. Participants were promised at least four matches. Refreshments also were served.

Young, president of the Iowa State Chess Association, said he has been playing since junor high or the “Fischer area,” referring to chess legend Bobby Fischer. Young said he was pleased to see so many young children turn out for the tournament.

“I want to see new chess players,” he said. “Chess makes kids think.”

Young said chess helps children develop good sportsmanship and points to research that shows it also helps participants develop their logical thinking ability. Young and other chess enthusiasts were on hand for the tournament to answer questions for the players.

The tournament drew classmates Oliver Parsons, 10, and Sophie Trom, 9 — both fourth-grade students at Lincoln Elementary School — to the tournament. The students said they have a chess club at school and have participated in tournaments in the past.

“I like the strategy and the thinking,” Oliver said.

“It’s just really fun,” Sophie added.

Hadley said every player would receive ribbons for participating. Trophies were awarded to first- and second-place finishers in the beginner and advanced divisions.

Source: http://www.press-citizen.com