The Holy Grail

I don't know what has motivated Luca more in learning chess, whether it is the pure joy of playing the game or the pursuit of a "coppa" (trophy). We have known of his high level of spacial-visual abilities for a couple of years now and are so glad that he can utilize and strengthen those gifts through chess. Last year at school his class had 8 lessons on how to play chess taught by a local chess club instructor.  There was a school tournament in May that you can read about here from Luca's perspective.

Upon his success and subsequent invitation to participate in a chess club, he also competed in a larger scale chess tournament in May (which I never blogged about). Ooops! It was his first time ever to play with a timer which was super nerve wracking and stressful that really threw him for a loop.  Even for me as an observer it got me stressed out as the room was quiet other than this constant *tip-tap-tip-tap* from 25+ games being played at once. It was a great learning experience with many tears and joys along the way, as he won 3 out of 7 games. He SO wanted to win a trophy! I mean really, who wouldn't? Check out the size of those...

Some games he was out in less than 1 minute and others he and his opponent both played their full alloted 15 minutes. The tournament lasted over four hours and was emotionally exhausting for me as I coached and encouraged Luca through each defeat and victory. We were so proud of him for participating with his limited experience. But it definitely served as fuel to the fire for the game.

If you pushed your game to the max time limit all the other players who finished their games would come and watch. No pressure! He won this particular game!

In October, Samuel and Luca both joined the Chess Club in Leinì where they play 4 hours a week. In addition, Luca's fifth grade class is having another 10 chess lessons at school this year. Samuel originally taught Luca how to play the game and is working on his game in order to keep up with his brother. He goes less frequently due to his school homework demands, creating a bit of frustration with Luca's ever growing competence in the game. However, Samuel is doing well too and we are just as proud of him for adding this extra curricular to his schedule this year.



Over the span of the fall term the club conducted an interclub tournament. Luca knew the reward would be a trophy for each level of players, and he was working so hard to achieve his goal of bringing home a trophy. The results were posted each week. He must have gotten confused on the categorization because he thought he was further down the list in ranking. He was so surprised and happy that yesterday his coach Luigi presented him with the 2nd place novice trophy. We have named it "The Holy Grail". Congratulations Luca! His coach said he has made remarkable improvements and expects him to win his school competition.



Now Luca has his eyes set on being one of the top four players of his entire elementary school so that he can compete in a regional elementary school chess tournament in Torino next spring. He not only has to be good at chess but also has to have good conduct at school. More than once he has said he is going to study and get high marks on his tests so he can be chosen to participate and represent his school in the chess tournament. If there is a competition and trophy involved this kid is all over it!