Many parents and teachers talk about “executive function,” but it can sometimes feel like a complicated term. In simple words, executive function refers to the skills that help kids plan, focus, make decisions, and control impulses. These skills are important not just in school, but in everyday life. The challenge is…
Many parents wonder when and how they should introduce chess to their child. This question becomes even more important when a child has ADHD, autism, or other learning differences. Parents often look for activities that help with focus, confidence, and problem-solving while still being enjoyable. Chess can be a great option…
If you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking about starting or supporting someone to start something. Maybe it’s a chess club, a tutoring group, a robotics team, or something completely different. We were in the exact same spot a few years ago, just kids with an idea, no real plan, and honestly……
Many parents of children with autism spend a lot of time searching for activities that help their kids feel comfortable, confident, and engaged. Some activities rely heavily on fast reactions or complicated social interactions, which oftentimes make students feel overwhelmed. Chess is different. The rules are clear, the board never changes,…
Many parents of children with ADHD spend years searching for activities that truly help their kids focus, build confidence, and enjoy learning. Some activities feel overwhelming. Others don’t hold attention long enough. But one activity consistently surprises families: Chess. At Puddletown Chess tournaments and training sessions, we’ve seen many kids with…
When people hear the word “chess,” they often picture big tournaments in city libraries or fancy schools with high ceilings and bright lights (trust me, I can relate). But what about kids in small towns who’ve never been to a big city chess club? What if the closest tournament is three…
One Saturday, we watched a student walk in wearing the “learner hat.” They started with a puzzle lesson, quietly soaking it in. A bit later, they had switched into the “competitor hat,” locked in during their first tournament game. After the round, they slid into the “friend hat,” laughing with a…
At Puddletown, people often ask us: Why focus on certain groups of kids? Why make a special effort for girls and non-binary students, for kids from low-income families, or for kids growing up in rural communities? Isn’t chess supposed to be for everyone? It is supposed to be. But the reality…
At first glance, it looks simple: if you’re good at chess, you can coach chess. Right? Well… not quite. At Puddletown, we’ve seen that being a strong player is just the baseline. Our coaches actually juggle three very different hats every single session: chess expertise, communication skills, and leadership. Without all…
Back when we first launched Puddletown, we had no idea we’d one day run 36+ webinars for chess players across the world. We just wanted to bring more people into our growing community - and maybe make it a little easier for beginners to level up. Fast forward to today, and…
Thanks to everyone who joined my recent webinar! We had a great time discussing some sharp ideas, practical tips, and common tournament rules. Here’s a quick summary of the most interesting questions from the Q&A, in case you missed it—or just want a refresher! Q: What are the benefits of commanding…
At Puddletown Chess, when you see players improving, winning games, and moving up levels, it might seem like everything just works. But behind the scenes, there’s an entire system of frameworks, founders, processes & volunteers working to make sure every student gets the best training possible. It’s not just about the…
If you’re new to scholastic chess tournaments, you’ve probably experienced this moment: your child finishes with the same score as another player—but doesn’t get the same trophy or placement. It feels confusing, maybe even unfair. What’s going on? Let’s talk about tiebreaks. In chess tournaments, players earn points: 1 point for…
When we first started hosting tournaments, we focused exclusively on scholastic players—kids up to grade 12. It was all about creating a space for young players to compete, learn, and improve their game. But as our tournaments grew in size and reputation, something interesting happened: many adults wanted to join in…
Hey Puddletown gang! If you’ve ever played in a Puddletown Chess tournament, you’ve probably heard us say, “Pairings are up!” before each round. But have you ever wondered how those pairings are made? Why do you sometimes play someone way stronger or way weaker than you? And why don’t you get…