Congratulation to the McMillan Chess Team

Congratulations to the McMillan Chess Team for getting 2nd place at the Title I - South Regional Chess Tournament. As usual it was a very well organize Chess Tournament where all parents, students and coaches had a great time. 

Check out some pictures from the tournament:

Eduardo showing his medal.

Christophe getting ready for the last round

 Francisco, the veteran player in this type of Tournament, showed that he still can win some games. 

Arky, who was sick in the morning but was feeling better by the last round

Ruben feeling optimistic

McMillan Chess Team: from left to right (Eduardo, Francisco, Christophe, Arky, Ruben, and Mr. Diez)

 In the Auditorium waiting for the Awards Ceremony

The Trophy

The Team getting the Trophy

Taking some pictures with the Trophy

Just having fun !!!

Time to Play !!!

Puzzles - Homework (Forks, Pins and Skewers)

Hi everyone,

These are a few puzzles for you to solve as a homework. The puzzles are about forks, pins and skewers. You have to print and solve all of them by Friday, November 19th. Good Luck !!!

1. White to move. Find two forks.

2. White to move. Find four forks.

3. White to move. Find the best move (there is a skewer involve)

4. White to move. Find the Skewer.

5. White to move. Find two pins.

6. White to move. Find three pins.

 

Writing Chess

Hi everyone and welcome to an excited 2010-2011 School Year. Here I am posting the format we will use to write down chess games. You can copy, paste and print this form so you will have it for class.

Review Puzzles for Final Exam

Hi everyone, here I am posting some puzzles for you to solve and get ready for the final exam. Also if you want extra credit you can print them and turn them to me anytime before the final exam. Good Luck !!!

1- White to play. Can you find all the possible forks?

2- Black to move and checkmates in one move

3- White to move and checkmates in two moves (hint: sacrifice a piece)

4- Black to move. Find a fork and a pin.

5- Find the best move for White

6- Find the best move for White (hint: remove the defender)

7- Find the best move for Black (hint: remove the defender)

8- Find the best move for White (hint: The knight is already pinned)

9- Find the best move for White

10- Find the best move for White

What a Great Tournament !!!

For three years in a row, the McMillan Chess Team participates in the District Chess Championship sponsor by the Title I Administration. The 2009-2010 Title I Chess Championship was once again a complete success. More than 840 kids participated (new record) in different categories from K all the way through 12 grade. Teachers, students, parents and administrators had a great time thanks to Title I Administration who provided like every year three important things: 1st- A well organized Chess Tournament, 2nd - Prices for all students competing such as chess books, DVDs, chess boards, etc and 3rd - Provided two great hosts -Alexandra Kosteniuk who is currently the Women's World Chess Champion and -our Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho who has not missed these Championships in the past and who is always showing his support to all coaches and students.

Finally on another positive note Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho in his Welcome Speech acknowledged how important is to teach and learn chess and how Chess is all about making students use "Critical Thinking", which is in fact what we try to do with our students everyday in our classrooms.

Here I am sharing some pictures of the Tournament.

From left to right, Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho, Mr. Diez (Chess Facilitator at McMillan) and Alexandra Kosteniuk (current Women’s World Chess Champion since 2008) )

 Alexandra Kosteniuk (autographing her book "Diary of a Chess Queen") and Mr. Diez (Chess Facilitator at McMillan Middle School) 

Mr. Diez (Chess Facilitator at McMillan) and his good friend Eduardo Barreiro from Title I Chess Administration

Alexandra Kosteniuk (current Women’s World Chess Champion since 2008) playing a simultaneous at the Title I Chess Championship

And now some pictures of the McMillan Chess Team

Edward Nammur getting ready for the first round

Kevin Saenz waiting for his/her opponent in the 2nd round

 Nelson Vega was very happy before the first round

Nathan Larrea was trying to concentrate for his game

Carlos Barraza getting ready for his first game

Francisco Concepcion (who got the best score of the team) getting ready for the first round

Josue Barban warming up for the first round.

The McMillan Chess Team: from left to right, Josue Barban, Francisco Concepcion, Edward Nammur, Kevin Saenz, Nelson Vega, Nathan Larrea and Mr. Diez (Note: Carlos Barraza left before the picture)

Intermediate Moves

Hi everyone

Here I am posting four puzzles about "Intermediate Moves". Solve them on a piece of paper and give them to me before the end of the class today Tuesday 4-13-10. Good Luck!!!

1. How can White gain material advantage?

2. Black is offering to trade Queens. How can White win a piece along the way?

3. White is counting on the pin on the d-file with the Rook. After 1.Qxe5, how can Black respond?

4. Find the best move for White.

Homework: Removing the Defender

Hi everyone,

Solve the following puzzles and bring their solution to class by Friday, February 12th. Remember that all these puzzles deal with the topic "Removing the Defender". You have plenty time to print and solve the puzzles. Good Luck !!!

1. White to Move. (hint: The Black Queen is defending f6)

2. White to Move. (hint: The Black Night is defending g7)

3. Black to move. (hint: The White Queen is defending g1)

4. White to Move. (hint: White wants to checkmate by taking on h7 with the Queen, however the Black Queen is defending)

5. White to Move.