Playing chess and checkers helps to develop critical thinking and decision making and understanding of consequences of one’s actions.  The winter months of January-March generally have cold and wet weather and staying indoors may reduce environment induced illnesses.

      Before the Tournaments begin all the players receive a “sportsmanship” class and sign “sportsmanship pledges”.

      Chess and Checkers Tournaments for Fourth and Fifth Graders are held each year starting the first school day after winter break.  The Chess matches are played in Mrs. Douglas’ Fourth Grade classroom and the Checkers matches are played in Mrs. Conover’s Fifth Grade classroom.  Chess matches are held during the noon recess on Mondays and Wednesdays and checkers matches are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

      Chess and Checkers Tournaments started in 2003 and have been held annually since.

Trophies are awarded for 1-3^rd places.

Medallions are awarded for 4-8^th places.

All those finishing the tournament and having demonstrated good sportsmanship throughout are entered into a drawing for chess and checkers sets as shown in the school display case during January.

After the matches are completed a school assembly is held, winners announced, drawings completed,  and pictures are taken. 

      Matches are played in a round-robin format whereby each player has a match with every other player.  Winning a chess or checkers match earns the player 2 points.  A match ending in a tie or draw earns both player 1 points.  Loosing a match earns the player a 0.  Points are totaled at the end of match play and the individual winning the most points wins First place.  Any players earning equal points for 1-8 place play an additional match to determine winner. 

Pictures below were taken the first day of the Checkers Tournament