Online Chess Tournament, 5 April 2022, PHS.

This week saw our burgeoning school chess team make its 2022 debut on the competitive stage – albeit online! The pandemic has affected our lives in every conceivable way over the past two years and chess is no exception. But thanks to the software program Tornelo, 20 Prospect students were able to compete online against fellow schools from northern Tasmania. Ages of competitors ranged from upper primary to College level.

Enthusiastically students gathered on Tuesday morning in the former Home Base space and after sorting out first-time technical puzzles they took part in a series of individual games – all via technology. Tornelo is a program which allows tournaments to happen seamlessly online, in conjunctions with Zoom. There was an automatic fixture dependent on how students’ games went; each game involved them playing another student at a similar place on the ladder. Features of the experience were: timers; stats and graphs; ability to replay games for analysis and coaching commentary from a moderator on the mainland, who oversaw the event. The dreaded stalemate – unfortunately for a few students – was also part of the deal! This symbolised the “crash course” nature of the day in tournament-level pressure. 

All students enjoyed the half-day event and look forward to a further two qualifying tournaments (Terms 2 and 3), before finals take place in Term 4. Many ‘punched above their weight’, led by our skilled Year 9 contingent. Special mention is made to Marco who lent his skills to the setting up of students online. All students are thanked for their participation which took place in good spirits. We look forward to the next one!