Nearly 400 Florida students will compete in the upcoming US Chess Federation’s 2012 National K-12 Chess Championship which will take place from November 30 – December 2, at the Marriott World Center Resort in Orlando.
The 387 Florida students, drawn from 138 schools across the state, are part of the more than 1,200 students from all grades across the United States, who will compete in the event which will be played over 7 rounds. Each player gets 90 minutes on his or her clock so total game time can run to 3 hours per round, even for students as young as 5 or 6.
While students will be competing for first place individual honors, their points will also determine school team championships in each grade. USCF Scholastic Tournaments are organized in sections where students of relatively similar rankings play against each other so there are opportunities for students at every level of ability.
Chess is becoming increasingly popular in both public and private schools as studies show playing chess impacts math and science skills, critical thinking skills, and character development.
