National Chess Tournament, Altanta GA

Who knew that Chess was so intense! Taggart and I traveled to Atlanta with the John H Shary Knights to compete in the National Chess Meet. These are all the teams who took 1st or 2nd place in the state competitions, so off we went for 3 days of chess matches. So , this whole chess thing is a new experience for me and I will try to explain in my limited chess "language" how everything works. Taggart and all his team mates are members of the national chess federation (membership card and all). As you play in federation recognized matches, you get a ranking number. This number is based on how many wins/losses you have and what your opponent is ranked. Taggart's team qualified for nat'l in the 800 or less catergory. That means every player was ranked under 800. But since Taggart did so well this year, his ranking was 913. At the national competition, he had to play up a division. So here's the reality check: the kids in this division are ranked like at 1800-2000 and Taggart had to compete with them. These are dead serious chess champs, who have strategies and play mind games with their opponents, like making them sit for an hour before they show up, by trying to smack talk with them, or distract them....who knew it was so brutal, I mean this is chess:) Needless to say, Taggart is more about the fun and excitement. His first match was just completely insane. Opponent shows up 1 hour late, won't sit down, tries to stare Tag down. He was ranked about 1900. Match was over in 20 minutes, Taggart really discouraged. 2nd match, guy shows up 40 minutes late, Taggart holds his own in a 2 HOUR MATCH and finally loses. He is heartbroken. Remember what I said about reality check? Taggart had a hard time, an early lesson in defeat. It was good and bad, it was fun and sad. He endured 7 matches over the 3 days, some wins, mostly losses. His little team from Mission TX ended up taking 18th in the entire nation. Not too shabby considering our players do not have their own personal coaches, chess practice and funding year round, and maniac parents with binoculars, watching their every move from the back of the designated competition rooms. Really, it was an experience for me and him. I learned some new lingo--still don't know how to play. He learned he needs "new Tricks" and how to relax a little more. We both had a great time visiting the aquarium, Coca-Cola museum, and lunch with the Pavia's.