Crazy 8’s Chess Tournament

Both boys competed in the local Crazy 8’s Chess Tournament in Flagstaff. The players were put into competition groups of eight based on their United States Chess Federation (USCF) ranking. This was the boys’ first official USCF tournament, so they played in groups with the other unranked players. Based on their performance today they will be officially ranked which will affect their groupings in future tournaments. This tournament was played Swiss Style with five rounds of game play. It was a long, yet exciting day! 

Both boys played really well! Zach came in first place within his group with a 5-0 record! Ashton came in second place in his group with a 4-1 record. We are super proud of our brainy boys!!!!

Zach with the other first place trophy winners! 

Ashton with his chess club coaches as well as another big winner and friend from his elementary school. 







Sorry- no pictures of actual play as parents/family and coaches waited for players in a different area. However here are done shots of the chess “tailgating” hallway area between matches. 

In other news, Derek made homemade tart cherry jelly this week. Delicious!!!  -especially on his homemade wheat biscuits! 

Also, Ashton has started learning to play the ukulele in school this month. He was showing me his awesome strumming skills this week!