As tension filled the air of the student cafeteria, sixteen students duked it out for the chess champion title. On March 23, 2011, Cardozo held its second chess tournament which consisted of three rounds, with each player receiving fifteen minutes to play.
Beginners think of chess as a difficult and boring game, but many do not recognize that chess requires strategic thinking. “I don’t believe in psychology; I believe in good moves,” said Mr. Alread, guidance counselor and club advisor. One needs great focus and the ability to think under pressure to successfully compete in a game of chess. Not only does a chess player need to carefully plan out his or her next move. They also need to figure out the opponent’s next move and get one step ahead of them.
The tournament consisted of great plays and smart strategies, in which one wrong move could cost the whole game. Although it would be tempting to think hard about your next move, this would be difficult to do when you have just minutes, or seconds left on the clock. When the fifteen minutes are up, no matter how many pieces are left, the player automatically loses.
Sophomore, Kevin Izquierdo won first place, Nathan Leung took second and Yudhishtera Payagala placed third.
Some of the players just started playing when they got to Cardozo while others have been playing since childhood. Already, they were able to compete with each other and play well.
Next year, the Chess Club is planning to start a chess team, that will compete in national competitions. Kevin, who has been pushing to start a team at Cardozo, has gone to national competitions with his elementary school and middle school; traveling to Florida, California and Texas, all for free.
“I have enjoyed two successful tournaments. My last tournament was in Nashville, Tennessee this past April 29 to May 1. I went with a nonprofit organization. I expected to do well, but I got over confident, and didn’t do as well as I expected. I had to represent Cardozo in Tennessee, but I was the only person from Dozo there, so no team prize was awarded. I’m sure next year, when Cardozo sends a group to play in Minnesota, we are going to win a team prize.”