We had a record-breaking entry of 140 players for the 8th Brentwood Junior Tournament, along with an exciting new format of 8 rounds at 10+5 (10 minutes for the whole game, with a 5 second increment).
It was a great day, with the chess played in a perfect spirit of friendly competition.
The tournament was run in partnership with Brentwood School and the Essex Junior Chess Association.
Thank you to everyone from both organisations, as well as various parents who helped out – and a special thank you to our chief arbiter Mohammad Islam for keeping the tournament flowing so smoothly.
Below you will find a selection of photos by chess parent and professional photographer Melinda Wilde and some personal reports written by the players.
Report by Robin Slade, Head of Chess at Brentwood School
Brentwood Prep School players enjoying Aarav’s game
Jack and Thomas (our report writer) starting their game early in the Under 11 Open
The Under 18 Open about to begin
Ruqayyah (left), the Under 18 winner, facing Anushka (right)
Chiza (our report writer) watching his fellow Brentwood students Aaran and Maadesh.
Max (right) was the runner-up in the Under 18 Open
Hantin (left) and George (right) both on 4/4 in the U11 Open. Hantin would go on to win the section while George became Brentwood Prep School champion.
Essex Junior Chess polo shirts to the fore.
Some of our prize-winners with EJCA Chairman Dave Hawkins
Brentwood Prep and Senior School Champions with IM Richard Pert
On Sunday 3rd March 2024, I went to the Brentwood Junior Chess Tournament. The event was held at Brentwood School and was hosted by International Master Richard Pert and Brentwood School Head of Chess Robin Slade.
The tournament had four sections – an U18 Open and Minor and an U11 Open and Minor. I played in the U11 Open.
This was my second visit to the tournament. I like this tournament because I get to play competitive chess in a friendly environment.
Some of the children I had met before, from attending Chelmsford Junior Chess Club. I also met lots of new children and enjoyed spending time with them in the practice rooms between rounds.
The tournament was eight rounds of chess with a time control of 10+5. We played four rounds before lunch and four rounds after lunch. Between the rounds there were refreshments in the parents’ room, which overlooked the playing hall.
At the end of the tournament there were trophies for the highest scorers in each category, and prizes were given out to those who had impressed the judges. There were also prizes given out to Brentwood School children for their house chess competition.
The day was lots of fun and all players were complimented for their great attitude and good behaviour on the day. I am looking forward to going to this tournament again in 2025.
Thomas (Year 6) – Under 11 Open
The tournament was a very different experience, as it was my first across the board tournament. It was a very exciting experience with highs and lows.
The matches were easy to find as it was arranged in sections. All of the referees helped with all the chess games.
The day was planned very smoothly by our teacher Mr Slade. He helped with everything, and if there was a problem he would take it into consideration with the scores. There was no-one crying and having a big disagreement.
At the end there was a prize ceremony where a lot of people got trophies and other prizes that they can enjoy. Overall it was a very fun across the board tournament, and I look forward to the next one.
Ronov (Year 6) – Under 11 Minor
I liked the chess tournament on Sunday 3rd March 2024 because there were lots of rewards to be won for things like sportsmanship and positivity, even if you did not place in the top 3.
I enjoyed how there were 8 rounds of 10+5 instead of 6 rounds of 20+5, because if you start badly you can change that in the second half of the tournament after lunch. Since the time control was faster, it opened up opportunities to make your opponent lose on time, which is very nice for fast chess players.
With the lunch break and several other intermissions, you were able to practise weak areas more, which you might have discovered in your previous games.
In conclusion, I believe that the chess tournament was successful due to the fact that it was divided into 4 sections, there were many people and there were accessible food locations.
Report by Chiza (Year 8) – Under 18 Open
The 8th Brentwood Junior Chess Tournament was hosted on the 3rd of March by Brentwood School. With over 40 people in each section and eight rounds, this was the first big tournament I attended.
Everyone would be facing wins, draws and maybe even losses. But most importantly: fun.
We all shook hands and congratulated each other after our games, and enjoyed chatting in between games during breaks in the refreshments area.
Overall I think this experience was very helpful for me and helped me learn that even if you lost a few games or didn’t do so well, it was one day in one year. Don’t make just a few losses change you or stop you from playing chess. Also, if you won all of your games, help and congratulate the people that haven’t won so many.
Thank you to everyone who made this tournament happen. I think it was a very good day of playing chess, making new friends and having fun.
Report by Deniel (Year 6) – Under 11 Open