Why I love chess as a Team Sport

Team chess events are some of the most fun and memorable experiences I have.

The team events aren’t just about winning or losing. That is not the main purpose of these types of tournaments. I believe that the purpose of team tournaments is to have fun and encourage all of your teammates to do their best in all the games.

We might win some games and lose some others. And that’s ok, because it’s about the experience of playing alongside some of your friends. I have many team event wins under my belt, but that’s not the thing I’m most happy about after playing in these tournaments. I really love motivating my teammates to give it their best, reinforcing that it’s a great bonding experience and that they shouldn’t be stressed about the outcome.

I also enjoy playing team events because I want to help the next generation of young chess players when they eventually become the top team players. Making sure they have a fun experience makes me happy, and I know that in the future they will be in my spot, helping the new players take their spot in the future when they graduate from that school. It’s an honor to be able to help so many people strive to play the strongest game. It’s not just about being the very best at the top board, it’s about making sure the younger kids can take my spot when I move on.

I have played in team tournaments since 2016. The Chess For Success ones were the first ones I played in. Back then, I was a very young boy with the dream that I would someday be on the 1st board leading my teammates. As the years passed, I slowly progressed up the table, all the way from the 5th board until I finally reached the finish, the 1st board. Along this journey, I met many new friends who I still know today, and I’ve seen people move on to new schools. There have been so many upsets and happy moments, but at the end I can say I have great memories playing as a team member and representing my school.

Here is my team record for Jacob Wismer Elementary from 2016 to 2020.