Chess as one of the games in MSSM

Chess is a (mind) sport in our Malaysian education system.  It is competed every year beginning February till June as one of the sports with 3 categories - namely Under-12, Under-15 and Under-18.  A series of event will kick-off at the school level, zonal level before proceeding to inter-zonal level and eventually state and national levels.  Most of the time, the top 10 or 15 will move on to represent their respective states to vie for the prestigious national title.

For year 2012, the MSSM Wilayah Persekutuan Inter-Zonal play will commence on 24-28 April (Primary, Under-12), 8-12 May (Secondary, Under-15 & 18);

and MSSM Selangor Inter-Zonal play 25-27 April (Primary & Secondary).

The final meet will be 5-9 June 2012 in Trengganu.

All activities including selection of players at schools should have commenced or soon.  For those who are keen to participate in this once-a-year event, please register with your teacher-in-charge of co-curriculum in school.

Good luck!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

 

Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Blessed Christmas & Happy New Year!

We have finally come to the last leg of our holiday camps for year 2011.

We have seen many happy children who have just discovered chess eager to prove their skills.

We also have many children who so excitedly waiting for year-end holidays to renew their passion in chess as they do not have the luxury of time throughout the year-long school hectic schedule. 

Not to mention parents who are relieved to have their child(ren) doing something really useful during school holidays! 

Blessed Christmas & Happy New Year everyone!

Here are some pictures of the camps.

Holiday Chess Day Camps

Time really moves in an amazing speed!  And we are here towards the end of the year again!

Many parents of young children are eager to know the goodness of chess. Starting chess at a young age will not only inculcate thinking ability, it is also something to keep for the rest of their lives.  Someone who plays chess at 6, which is a very healthy game, is likely to play even when they are 60.

The following extract from “Why Offer Chess in Schools?” (by Jerry Meyers) is a representative summary of typical findings on chess when offered as part of or complementary to school curriculum:

“Chess makes kids smarter.  It does so by teaching the following skills:-

FOCUSING – Children are taught the benefits of observing carefully and concentrating.  If they don’t watch what is happening, they can’t respond to it no matter how smart they are.

VISUALISING – Children are prompted to image a sequence of actions before it happens.  We actually strengthen the ability to visualize by training them to shift the pieces in their mind, first one, then several moves ahead.

THINKING AHEAD – Children are taught to think first, then act.  We teach them to ask themselves “If I do this, then what might happen next, and how can I respond?”  Over time, chess develops patience and thoughtfulness.

WEIGHING OPTIONS – Children are taught that they don’t have to do the first thing that pops into their mind.  They learn to identify alternatives and consider the pros and cons of various actions.

ANALYSING CONCRETELY – Children learn to evaluate the results of specific actions and consequences.  Does this sequence help or hurt me?  Decisions are better when guided by logic, rather than impulse.

THINKING ABSTRACTLY – Children are taught to step back periodically from details and consider the bigger picture.  They also learn to take patterns used in one context and apply them to different, but related situations.

PLANNING – Children are taught to develop longer range goals and to take steps bringing them about.  They are also taught to re-evaluate their plans as new developments change the situation.

JUGGLING MULTIPLE CONSIDERATIONS SIMULTANEOUSLY – Children are taught not to become overly absorbed in any one consideration, but to try and weigh various factors at once.

None of the above skills are specific to chess, but are all part of the game.  The beauty of chess as a teaching tool is that it stimulates children’s minds and helps them to build these skills while enjoying themselves.  As a result children become more critical thinkers, better problem solvers, and more independent decision makers”.

Come, join others who have signed up for a hobby in chess....

HOLIDAY DAY CAMPS

STARTING TO PLAY CHESS!
(2-day intensive program, 6 years old and above)

Time: 10am-5pm

Day/Date:
21 – 22 Nov 2011 (Mon-Tues);
23 – 24 Nov 2011 (Wed-Thur);
28 – 29 Nov 2011 (Mon-Tues);
5 – 6 Dec 2011 (Mon-Tues);
7 – 8 Dec 2011 (Wed-Thur);
12 – 13 Dec 2011 (Mon-Tues) or
19 – 20 Dec 2011 (Mon – Tues)

Pax: Min. 4, max 10


CHECKMATE FUN!
Understanding Endgames (2-day program)

Time: 10am-5pm

Day/Date:
30 Nov – 1 Dec 2011 (Wed-Thurs)
14 – 15 Dec 2011 (Wed-Thurs)
21 -22 Dec 2011 (Wed-Thurs)


OPENINGS FOR BEGINNERS
Introduction to Opening Traps (2-day program)

Time: 10am-5pm

Day/Date:
27 – 28 Oct 2011 (Thur-Fri, Deepavali holiday)
21 – 22 Nov 2011 (Mon-Tues)
19 – 20 Dec 2011 (Mon-Tues)


INTENSIVE STUDY OF OPENING REPERTOIRE!
Openings on White & Black for competitive players (4-day program)

Time: 10am-5pm
Day/Date: 28 Nov – 1 Dec 2011 (Mon-Thurs)


BUILDING UP YOUNG TALENT
PREPARING FOR TOURNAMENT - PART I
(4-day intensive program)

Time: 10am-3pm

Day/Date: 5 – 8 Dec 2011 (Mon-Thurs) or
19-22 Dec 2011 (Mon-Thurs)


BUILDING UP YOUNG TALENT
PREPARING FOR TOURNAMENT - PART II
 (4-day intensive program)

Time: 10am-3pm
Day/Date:  12-15 Dec 2011 (Mon-Thurs) or 19-22 Dec 2011 (Mon-Thurs)

Day/Date: 12 – 15 Dec 2011 (Mon-Thurs)

Northland Primary Singapore vs Polgar Chess Asia

The final leg of the International Friendly, Northland held on to be the Winner but not without resistance.  Northland secured the win with 59.5-12.5.