Chess
Busy Few Weeks for the McCarthy Chess Club
After a quiet start, the McCarthy Chess Club finished Term 3 with a flurry of competition games.
During week 7, players from Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School and Quirindi High School visited McCarthy to play a series of games against both the representative and social players of the Chess club. In a series of six rounds of timed games, there was fierce competition between the players of the three schools. This competition allowed players to put their chess skills on display. All three schools had a number of promising players, who will do well in representing their respective schools in future competitions.
The following week the McCarthy Chess Club travelled to St Mary's Catholic College in Gunnedah. The games allowed for the players to develop friendships and there was great comradery between the schools. As with the previous game, both representative and social players had the opportunity to play and show their chess skills. It was great to see players interacting with each other, instead of with their devices.
At the start of week 9, the McCarthy Chess Club travelled to Calrossy Anglican School, where there were a number of tightly contested games. For this match day, only the McCarthy Junior players participated, the Seniors being busy with their exams. These games showed the strong depth within the Juniors and it is clear that the representative spots available in the team for next year will be hotly contested.
Midweek, the final chess matchday for this term was at O’Connor Catholic College in Armidale. McCarthy sent a team of 15 players to compete against O’Connor, who hosted the games. I would like to thank Mr Luke Andrews who hosted and arranged for food for our players. All players were great ambassadors for the school.
With the games for Term 3 now completed, all eyes will turn to the final chess event which will be in Term 4. The Sarah Sommerlad Shield looks to be a bigger event than last year, with a number of schools already showing an interest in competing.
Interesting Chess Fact.
Chess has a well-established tradition of a handshake. Players start and finish their tournament games with a handshake. Much like the bowing in martial arts, it's a ritual that signifies mutual respect, regardless of the game's outcome.
Shaun Nichols
Chess Coordinator