Paredes Chess Tournament

The Royal Knights arrived at Americo Paredes Elementary
on Saturday, November 5, 2011, to battle for checkmates.
This morning would bring 761 chess players in hopes of
winning a trophy. The pairings were all set thanks to James
Houghtaling and Remy Ferrari of Paperclip Pairings.
However, this tournament was not  as strong as the past
three: Garcia MS, Oliveira MS, and Porter HS.

Some parents complained that  it was unfair for their Primary K-3 or Elementary K-5 children to complete

against older students, although all students were in the
same level of skill. The parents that complained do not
understand CHESS and the Person that make this new
change does not know that this change HURTS the chess
players that are going to complete in the State and
National Events. Our players complete against very strong
and well prepared chess players from all over the United
States. Our players must prepare by playing against stronger
players or players of the same strength
( rating not age or grade ) . I have the solution.
I know that the K-12 under 400 section is a must section
because the weakest chess players play in this section
and they have a CHANCE to win a trophy or medal. This
chess players are new to the game and NEED to be
SUCCESSFUL in order for us to  build them up...
otherwise they might stop Chess. Our older chess players
( 4 - 12 graders ),  must play against higher rated players
every single round thereby making  it is hard and in most
cases impossible to win 2 points . K-5 under 1000 and
K-12 under 1000 sections  why? In this sections there was
maybe one or two good matches and not for every player...
too many weak players in this sections. The weak players
must play in the K-12 Under 400. One section only
K-12 Under 1000 is best. There was one section that did
what it needed to do: K-12 Under 1300 .  Now, for the
"OPEN", let me say that this section should be renamed
the "1400 and ABOVE"  and please do not use the
word "OPEN" as then everyone can play in this section.
This section should be reserve for the strongest
chess players only. At this tournament there was
42 of 64 players under 1400,
some of the top boards complained that there is no
completion. Our "top boards" need to complete against
strong players every single round not only 1 or maybe 2.
 New York is always playing against stronger
chess players and that is why they are ready and also so
strong. We need this change! In order to better prepare
our chess players they must play in strong chess
tournaments. I suggest the following  6  Sections:
KINDER ONLY division  no 1st graders,
K-12 under 500 (beginners),  K-12 (501 - 900),
K-12 (901 - 1199),  K-12 (1200 - 1499)  and for the
strongest players: "RESERVE 1500 and ABOVE" section
which would  allow adults and college students but only
those who have ratings of 1500 and above... I know this
will better prepare our chess players.  Let's think of our
chess players and what is best for them. The Chess Players
that go to State and National events need your help. This 
game is about skill not age or grade and always will be.