ALCOTT CLUB

It’s a new year, 2019 – the final year of the teens decade - time to make plans for the year ahead (if you haven’t already.) The Alcott knows your children’s education will be primary in those plans, but be sure they include chess too. Chess has great educational benefits. It tactically improves logical reasoning, opens children’s minds to problem-solving, and expands creativity, imagination and sociability. The advantages of chess have proven themselves time and again over countless years. And it’s a great way to meet new friends! So, what’s there to ponder, other than your next move?

The Alcott Chess Club will start up Thursday, January 17, 8:00 a.m. in the Faculty Lounge. There’s a choice of programs: 10 weeks for $175 or 12 weeks for $200. The club meets every Thursday through to April (except the February 21 break.) Multi-family discounts are available at $10 off for each child after the first. Additionally, we offer need-based scholarships. Chess is for everyone, boys and girls, young and old, beginners and veterans, all grades and levels of skill and play. Don’t know how to play chess? We provide instruction. You’d be amazed how quickly your children learn. We always are!

Chess News: In addition to regular chess, there are various forms of speed chess tournaments, with quicker time controls. From 26-28 December in St. Petersburg, Russia, FIDE held its annual Men and Women’s World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships. (In Rapid chess, each player has 15 minutes to finish; in Blitz, it’s only 3 - tournaments go much quicker!) The tournament crowned two new world champions, both from Russia: Daniil Dubov for Rapid, Kateryna Lagno for Blitz. Reigning World Chess Champions: ’s Ju Wenjun retained her Rapid title; Norway’s Magnus Carlsen repeated in Blitz Speaking of champions, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention those Boston Red Sox. What an amazing World Series! Their journey to repeat begins Thursday, March 28, clean across the country in Seattle vs the Mariners. Accurate predictions can get you $30 off your next registration. Pick the winner and score - $20; temperature at game time within 1 degree - $10. My predictions are that the Red Sox will prevail 5-2 and the temperature at game time will be a balmy 52°. In addition, Chris Sale will be the starting pitcher, Craig Kimbrel will get the save and JD Martinez will hit a home run. But that’s all window dressing comments – just the score and temp count towards the Alcott Chess Sports Contest. So be sure to play! Drop your completed form in the Alcott Chess school mailbox at the main office; mail to Ken Belt, 619 Old Bedford Road, Concord MA; email [email protected]; or simply bring to the first class. To reserve a spot, call (c) 617-332-4483 or (c) 978-376-1796. Chess instruction is provided by Russian Chess Master Valery Frenklakh. We always welcome ideas! ------Please detach and drop off in the Alcott Chess mailbox at the school office or mail to Ken Belt, 619 Old Bedford Road, Concord MA. You may also register by email at: [email protected], or by telephone call Ken at 617-332-4483. Alcott Chess welcomes you! Name ______Grade ____ Teacher ______Phone # ______

Email ______Alternate Phone # ______(please write clearly) (check one or the other) Enroll in Alcott Chess: Jan 17 _____ 10-weeks @ $175 or_____ 12-weeks @ $200.

March 28: Winner ______Winning Score ______Losing Score ______Temp ______°

______(Date) (Parent’s Signature)