Kai plays chess

Kai started playing chess - both international and Chinese - some time in preschool. I remember when I was doing part-time, he kept badgering me to play with him but I was such a lousy player...

In P2, he joined the chess club in school. During the pandemic, I saw him attend chess club over zoom - he didn't seem interested at all! Anyway, he didn't make it to the school team, whether it was due to skill or selection process, we never knew.

He wanted to continue chess in secondary school. But his doesn't have this as CCA. So Sito and I decided to continue supporting Kai in his hobby outside of school.

On Tuesday, 26 Nov, Sito brought Kai to Bishan CC to play chess after dinner. He played a few games but didn't meet very good players.

That Sunday, 1 Dec, we were all at AhMa's place. The kids usually waste the afternoon away with snacks and TV so might as well play chess! Sito and AhYe brought Kai to Queenstown CC to play chess. Kai met better players and went back again two weeks later after we came back from Japan.

Then Sito found that there was to be a blitz tournament on 17 Dec at Bishan. Kai beat three of four non-rated opponents; he should have beaten the fourth too but blunder. Having done well, he was then paired with rated players - he beat two, lost two and drew with one. 

He emerged third for U12 and 14th overall, out of 58. He was also the top non-rated player. So proud of him :) And to cap it all, our boy looked so cool when playing!!

This was setting up - more cute than cool :)

Sito just signed him up for another tournament - rapid this time. All the best to him!