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Spending Saturday with 160 of the Best and Brightest from Hawaii

2008 Championships Playing HallI am writing this post during the afternoon rounds of The Hawaii State Scholastic Chess Championships. My good friend Guy and I are running the Championships in the big hall at Windward community college in Kaneohe, Hawaii.

Last evening we had two rounds for high school only. Today we are running all five sections. K-3, K-6, K-8 & K-12. The K-12 section has more time on their clocks, thus the reason for the extra day to complete all six rounds. This years high school section has become quite exciting. Pearl City High School and Punahou have dominated this division for the last several years. This year Mililani High School has joined them as a serious contender. Lead by 2-time National Champion Robert Lau and Ryan Palomares who has several State Champions titles himself. Filling out their ranks is my step son Daniel Macalino (offensive line for the football team) and our neighbor Daniel Strickland (wide receiver and former rugby player from New Zealand). Both Daniels are making a strong showing in the event. Mililani High School has never won the state title in the history of the school. Their top three players are 2-juniors and 1-freshman.

After the first 4 rounds Mililani High School and Punahou are tied for first place with 2-rounds to go. Both Robert Lau and Ryan Palomares are undefeated with scores of 4-0 each. In the fifth round they are matched up with tough opponents who also have state titles under their belts. The tournament looks to finish in a tight race.

In the K-8 Division, Mililani Middle School is leading after 4 of 6 rounds, hoping to also win their first state title in school history also.

In the K-3 Division my youngest son Jacob who is a 1st grader has a score of 3-1 and is fighting to finish in the top 1st grade spot. Last year he won the Kindergarten title. This year the competition has gotten much tougher.

The final standings will be posted at: http://www.hawaiichess.org/

Posted Saturday Mar 15

Randy,

What a great way to spend the day.  This is such a good post... thanks for sharing it with everyone.

I know you love to play and teach these kids chess....you do good in the community Randy :)

I used to play chess and my uncle was pretty good...I haven't played in years...actually when I was younger in Jr. high ...I mad a board from two types of wood in my wood shop..wonder whatever happened to it?

I love chess but have no one that really likes to play. I am a big cribbage player and I really like to play any type of game.

I don't play - but am always amazed by the mind power those that do have.... great way to help your son build a brilliant mind

(03/16/08 02:19PM) — Patricia Kennedy

Randy, something tells me that kids who are into competitive chess don't have time to get into mischief!  Good work!

Hi Randy,
I never learned chess but understand the concentration, strategy, planning and reasoning required are great for the mind.    

(03/16/08 07:46PM) — George Souto

Randy I remember you posting about this tournament last year.  GOOD LUCK TO YOUR KIDS I hope they kick butt.

Ryan Realty - It was a blast.

Sally - Thank you

Neal - That would be a keeper.  It is a shame you don't have it.

Jay - You can always play online.

Thesa - It has been a very positive thing for both of my sons.

Patricia - As a rule they are all good kids.

Cynthia - It is all of those things.  For seniors it is also a way of fighting off Alzheimer 's disease.

George - They both took home state titles.  My oldest Daniel's team (Mililani High School are the new State High School Champs.  My youngest tied for his grade and is the 1st Grade Co-champ.

Randy - I've never sat long enough to learn how to play chess.  I figure I'll have time when I'm older...the grandkids can teach me ha ha.

Dorene - I am sure most of them know how to play already.

(03/19/08 09:18AM) — Kevin Robinson

We are a chess playing family. Do you organize the whole chess tournament for the state?

My friend Guy and I run most of the events.  He organizes the scholastic ones and I help TD them with him.  I organize most of the open events, with the exception of the championships where I usually play.

Congratulations on the results!  I was wondering what the outcome was.

Mark - I will post them in the next day or two.  I have just been real busy the last week or so and did not have time to post.

Randy, these kids are all winners. I hope all your children continue success.

Randy - I would imagine that chess also teaches that actions have reactions; that what you do has consequences; and to think ahead about the ramifications of choices you make. If only chess were a required class - but it would probably only succeed with passionate leaders. My grandson learned chess at his private school and likes to compete in local chess tournaments.

Frank - Thank you

Sharon - Chess does teach them many things.  It is taught in some schools and they have higher academic results to prove the value.

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