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2011 Elementary Nationals: A K-1 Preview

By Kele Perkins
May 6, 2011

The main event of the 2011 Elementary National Championships begins today and was preceded by a simul by GM Maurice Ashley, which began at 10 AM EST. The following preview focuses on a section that is often overlooked in favor of the tournaments with older players. Look for an update tomorrow by Shaun and Matan.

In 2010, the K-1 Championship section at the Elementary National Championships section had 14 players with supplement ratings of at least 1000. In this weekend’s 2011 edition, the section boasts at least 26 such entrants. If there were a Most Improved Section trophy, this section could well be expected to win it. In part because its young players are improving at such a rapid pace, the K-1 section is surely one of the more exciting aspects of these national championships.

On paper, the ratings favorite is Ben Rood of California. A student at the Chris Torres Chess and Music Academy, Rood has shown tremendous improvement in the last several weeks. His recent victories over 2nd grade national co-champion Josiah Paul Stearman and a win against an ‘A’ player show that Rood is in great form. Torres believes young Ben is “destined to become a national champion,” and his play at the Northern California state championships gives some credence to his teacher’s prediction. Another Torres student, Chenyi Zhao, had a recent ratings slip, but is still a force to be reckoned with. A third, Milind Maiti, is among the country’s top kindergarteners.   READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE ON THE USCF WEBSITE >>>

About the 2011 National Elementary (K-6) Championship

May 6-8, 2011 (May 5- Bughouse & Blitz)

Location:
Hilton Anatole
2201 Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, TX 75207

CHECK TOURNAMENT STANDINGS >>>

9 Sections

• K-6 Championship
• K-6 Under 1000
• K-6 Unrated
• K-5 Championship
• K-5 Under 900
• K-3 Championship
• K-3 Under 800
• K-3 Unrated
• K-1 Championship

The USCF reserves the right to move a player to a higher section by rating if there is published credible evidence that suggests that their playing strength is inappropriate for the section entered.

EF: $$50 if p/m by 3 April, $70 if by 17 April, $85 after 17 April or $90 at site.

Players registering late (after 10 AM Friday) will not be paired for round 1, will receive a 1/2 bye, and will begin play with round 2. $5.00 extra for all phone registrations. $20 change fee for roster or section changes after 17 April or on site.

Teams

A team must have at least two players, although no maximum number of players. The top four scores in any section will count for the team score. All players on a team must come from the same school.

Main Event rounds:

• Friday 1 pm, 7pm;
• Saturday 9 am, 2 pm, 7 pm;
• Sunday 9 am, 2 pm.

Schedule for K-1 section:

• Friday 1:30 pm, 6:30 pm;
• Saturday 9:30 am, 1:30 pm (not 2 pm), 6:30 pm;
• Sunday 9:30 am, 1:30 pm (not 2 pm).

Opening Ceremony:

• 12:30 pm Friday.

Awards:

• 7 pm (approximate) Sunday.

K1 Section:

• 5:30 PM [approximately]

Prizes

• K-6 Championship
• K-6 Under 1000
• K-6 Unrated
• K-5 Championship
• K-5 Under 900
• K-3 Championship
• K-3 Under 800
• K-3 Unrated
• K-1 Championship

Team Trophies

• Top 25
• Top 25
• Top 25
• Top 25
• Top 30
• Top 25
• Top 25
• Top 25
• Top 25

Individual Trophies

• Top 20 [plus ties for 20th place]
• Top 25 [plus ties for 25th place]
• Top 15 [plus ties for 15th place]
• Top 30 [plus ties for 30th place]
• Top 40 [plus ties for 40th place]
• Top 20 [plus ties for 20th place]
• Top 30 [plus ties for 30th place]
• Top 10 [plus ties for 10th place]
• Top 30 [plus ties for 30th place]

Top five teams receive plaques [five plaques per place – four players plus the coach].

Class trophies to the top three in the following classes:

• K-6 Championship: 1300-1399; 1200-1299; 1100-1199; 1000-1099; 900-999; 800-899; Under 800; Unrated.
• K-5 Championship: 1300-1399; 1200-1299; 1100-1199; 1000-1099; 900-999; 800-899; Under 800; Unrated.
• K-3 Championship: 1100-1199; 1000-1099; 900-999; 800-899; 700-799; 600-699; Under 600; Unrated.
• K-1 Championship: All players in this section receive a trophy.

All participants will receive a commemorative medal at the completion of the final round.

First place individual and team in the K-6 Championship section, including ties, will be the National Elementary Champion.

Special Events:

Play:

• National Elementary Bughouse Championship: Thursday 11 am. Bughouse entries on site only. $25 per team. Registration ends at 10 AM Thursday.
• National Elementary Blitz Championship: Thursday 5 pm. Two Sections: K-6 and K-3. Blitz EF: $15 per player/$20 on site or if after 17 April.
• Parents and Friends Tournament: 4SS, G/30. Saturday 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm, $20 on site registration only. Rated and unrated sections. Trophies for parent and child combined results.

Meetings:

• Coaches and Parents meeting: 11 am Friday.
• Scholastic meeting: 3 pm Saturday.
• Coaches Forum: 7:00 pm Saturday.
• Tournament Feedback meeting: 9:30 am Sunday.

Blitz Trophies:

Section

• K-6 Blitz Championship
• K-3 Blitz Championship

Team Trophies

• Top 15
• Top 10

Individual Trophies

• Top 20
• Top 10

Class trophies to the top three in the following classes:

• K-6 Blitz Championship: 1300-1399; 1200-1299; 1100-1199; 1000-1099; 900-999; 800-899; Under 800; Unrated.
• K-3 Blitz Championship: 1100-1199; 1000-1099; 900-999; 800-899; 700-799; 600-699; Under 600; Unrated.

Notes:

• For a complete list of all rules and regulations please see the current Scholastic Regulations.
• Please bring clocks. Sets and score sheets provided.
• USCF membership through May 2011 is required.
• Any roster changes made after 17 April 2011 or on site will incur a $20 change fee.
• Unrated players may play in the Championship Sections or Unrated Sections only!!!
• 1/2 pt bye any round except seven if requested in advance of Round One (limit one).
• April 2011 rating supplement will be used in compliance with the guidelines for National Scholastic Events.

Questions: Contact Cody Stewart 931-787-3916 or cstewart@uschess.org.