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Chess Friends moves into coaching actionThe Chess Friends of New Zealand Trust has moved into action after a long period of steady growth and preparation. Initiatives by the Hamilton Chess Club, under the guidance of William Lynn, have greatly helped this progress, adding to the funds through a levy on entry fees in their junior tournaments and subsequently launching the Chess Friends-sponsored coaching programme.. At the conclusion of the 2004 NZ Junior Championships Hamilton made history by conducting the first clinic to be supported by Chess Friends. We thank William (basics, art of checkmates, tactical play) and Peter Stuart (endgames) for their contribution as coaches for this initial clinic. Chess Friends provided $300 towards the coaching costs. Feedback was positive. 32 junior players took part (11 with tournament experience and 21 in the beginners to intermediate category), which reflected the demand and potential for ongoing development. Gary Lane’s successful coaching clinicBy Paul Spiller A very successful coaching clinic was held at Waipuna International Hotel, Mt. Wellington following the conclusion of the 2005 Oceania Zonal Chess Championship. IM Gary Lane, winner of the Men's Zonal competition, gave a very entertaining and informative training clinic from 10.00am unti1 3.30pm.
Gary used a variety of coaching methods to keep his young audience entertained and enthralled as some of the history of chess, great players of the past, opening blunders and problem solving were touched on. Gary's emphasis was on player participation. He insisted on the players first trying to solve problems and puzzles in their heads and then using the board as necessary. Players were asked to work out interesting mate in six problems and had a look at a real position from one of Gino Thornton's games in the Zonal where Gino had missed a win.
Gary rewarded the juniors when they found problem solutions by giving them copies of Australian Chess Magazine, small pocket chess sets and copies of his recently published books. As a finale, Gary played through his recent game (which he won) against former World Championship Challenger GM Nigel Short from their encounter at the recent Chess Olympiad in Calvia, Spain. The coaching clinic was thoroughly enjoyed by all that participated and I am sure all these young players have benefited from the experience. Thanks to Chess Friends for supporting this initiative and hopefully this can be repeated on a more regular basis in the future. SimulsGary was impressed with the standard of play of the juniors. Bobby Chen (7 years) gave Gary a hard time in the simul in Howick. Andy Chen drew (and I think Andrew Mararoa did too) and Michael Wu won in theAuckland Chess Centre simul. Gary said Michael was the only player that really outplayed him in the simul.There was a big turnout of juniors for the ACC simul and some missed out playing him.Funds keep growing, Chess Friends began the 2004-05 financial year with a term investment of $14,500 and $260 cash in hand. Donations received since balance date are:
The next projectThese funds, plus interest accruing during the year, ensure that the Chess Friends term investment will continue to grow and also provide funding for the next project, which is likely to be another clinic run in conjunction with the International Tournament in Queenstown early in 2006, sponsored by Grandmaster Murray Chandler. Chess Friends will consider giving to support to other coaching activities by clubs affiliated to New Zealand Chess Federation. Preference is given to clubs which support Chess Friends. Inquiries about the activities of the Chess Friends Trust, and donations, are invited. Ted Frost
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Taking part were 16 junior players from around the Waikato and Auckland. Players taking part were James Lin, Chang Zhai, Blair Robertson, Max Hay, Hugh McKay, Tim Lamusse, Alan Lin, Terry Chao and Oscar Lynn (all Hamilton) and Michael Wu, Andrew Stone, Sue Maroroa, Andrew Maroroa, Bobby Cheng, Gino Thornton and Andy Chen (all Auckland).Several parents and coaches were in attendance, including Gary and Gerri Judkins, Temu Maroroa, Mr Chen and Bill Lynn. 
He also played through several instructive games, including a famous game involving a queen sacrifice played by the strong English player Sir George Thomas back in 1912.  |
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