Wood Chess Services

10/12/2025

We have expanded in Florida this school year. We now have four school classes and two weekend clubs. We have now over 75 students participating. We are open to students from grade 2 through 10 who have a rating under 1500.

It is important to understand that Wood Chess is about learning how to play. Unlike some clubs, we are a teaching club. We are not interested in ratings and winning as our first priority. I caution students from attending tournaments that are stacked with high rated players designed to win money tournaments instead of learning how to handle tournament play.

10/12/2025

We had a very successful booth at Family Days in Port Orange. Fifteen of our kids played others in the community. On Saturday, the weather was misty but it did not stop a lot of visitors from attending.

05/22/2025

04/11/2025

We have 30 confirmed for the SuperNational Tournament in Orlando. It is going to be quite an adventure for everyone. We have 15 currently being tutored to get ready. We have representatives from ten different schools in central Florida. We have twelve that are playing Blitz and we have seven bughouse teams.

12/28/2024

In preparing for any major event, preparation is always the key. While there are many beginner sections in big tournaments, players are the best in the country for their level. Students need to play every day and study openings and review end game drills. Most tournament players go to clubs once or twice a week and have private coaching.

At the Tournament:

• Arrive early with preset clocks and several pencils.
• On the pairing chart, find opponent, board and color.
• Research your opponent by looking at past ratings.
• Warm up by practicing before the tournament starts.
• Relax and do not stress about winning.
• Eat nutritional food throughout the day and avoid sugar.
• Record all games until 5 minutes are left on the clock.
• Be alert and call tournament directors for problems.
• Report to coaches as soon as game is over.
• Review recorded tournament games with coaches, parents, or players as soon as possible after games.
• Rest between games and avoid any unnecessary unfocused activities. Prepare for a marathon.

12/28/2024

Our Port Orange club at Gabbie's Pizza.