I wasnt aware there was a junior chess club/adult club at Castle Hill RSL.

 Adult chess club

When does the adult club meet each week?

Do you run regular chess tournaments?

Is there a cost involved to be a member or take part in these events?

Do you get a good turnout at your club?

Who are the highest rated players who play at the club?

Junior club

Is there a cost for lessons?

Does the junior club and adult club run at the same time?

Regards

Brett

Hi Brett

It's at Castle Hill RSL... you're welcome to drop in and have a look at what we do.  We have 3 teachers at present, all around 1600-1800 rating, so no subject matter experts except a shared passion for sharing chess with kids.

Also, with our other commitments, it seems too much to do it weekly, so it's fortnightly at the moment - the next one is on this Thursday (5/6/08).  However, with the third teacher (who's just joined us, we're considering a weekly session, since we get around 10-15 kids each fortnight - the response has been quite consistent for the past year or so we've been doing this.

Thanks for your interest and hope to meet and/or play with you sometime! 

Hi Chessknot.

 Which club do you help the local juniors at?

Hmmmm... fascinating.  Yes, I've seen the "Borrring" defence used many times, eg by my own kids when I start rambling on about a pet philosophical idea of mine! 

Chessknot, it is really going to depend on the children. Some like to confide in others (6 out of 10). A few will like to be the lone ranger that sits in the corner with a book these are probably are some of the stronger players (2 out of 10). The kids like me will use all the resources people, books, etc.. what ever they can learn to win or be very competitive (3 out of 10). There are some others that will be naturally gifted that were born with ingraved chess logic they will perfer not doing anything unless challenged or sponsored  (1 out of 10) these kids will always be the strongest, and they will also get bored the fastest.

However, if you can't make everybody happy offer prizes of various sorts (ex: candy, books etc..) for the winners. Everybody likes to win stuff.

Chessknot, ya gotta be careful teaching kids -- they learn very quickly.  I used to teach a group at home when my own were learning to play and, like yourself, I'd finish the day with a simul. I usually won all my games but one afternoon one of the little buggers beat me.  When they'd gone home my wife had a laugh about it.  She said, "Didn't you see him put his rook back on the board?"

Coincidentally, this week I had a call from a librarian close to your area who needs someone to give kids at her library a few pointers.  I'll message you with her phone number in case it's any interest to you.