NC State Chess Tourney

Beginning last fall, Thompson often expressed an interest in participating in the NC State Chess Tournament in Raleigh this year...and so we said yes.  And let me just say it was a chess-filled weekend with over 700 students in attendance!  Thompson played 4 games Saturday and 3 games Sunday, plus he replayed each game with his chess coach Mr. Harris, watched Mr. Harris review others' games and played chess with other kids in between matches.  Coach Harris reminds his students he doesn't care whether they win or lose, he wants to see them using the skills he has taught, learning from their mistakes, and improving with each game.  Thompson was all smiles throughout the weekend, and every time I asked if he was having fun (and I asked often) he'd always reply "yes".  In the end, he finished 1-5-1.  His trademark "happy-sad" emotions got the best of him after having his last game reviewed by Mr. Harris.  I think he was mentally fried and a bit disappointed he didn't finish with a win while simultaneously being proud of himself for participating and having Coach Harris confirm it was his best played, most aggressive game of the weekend ... A+.  And the fact that before we even got to the car to return home, Thompson indicated he wanted to return again next year.  (He was excited too that we purchased a new chess board, like the ones he uses at school, to practice on at home and to help teach William.)