An excerpt by Alice from her blog http://alicechess.blogspot.com

“I went to NJ Junior Championship last week. Because this is the tournament to determine who will represent NJ in Susan Polgar Invitational, all top girls were there: Karsten, Anna, Jennie, Eve and Eve. I met Eve once before, but never talked to her. This time I got chance to play against 3 of them. I talked to all of them, and we played blitz between rounds. I have five more friends after the tournament.”

This is precisely the reason why I started a number of all-girls events and programs back in 2003 even though so many chess politicians were against the idea and proposal. For years, organizers, parents and coaches just did not know how to retain girls in chess. Neither did the USCF.

Understanding these young ladies are the key. If they do not enjoy or feel comfortable with the environment, they will not stay. I can see so much progress in just a few short years and I am so proud of all of these young ladies! I am not finished yet. Give it a few more years and we will see even more incredible changes. Not only these girls will stay in chess, their playing levels will also rise substantially!

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Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
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