GM Matthew talks chess
WIM Natasha gives a talk on AlphaZero
Rezin sets up securing 1st place in the C group
Nina and Max talk chess!
Competitors in fierce competition
On Sunday March 3rd we had a Train and Play session. As soon as I entered the school, I knew this was going to be an enjoyable day. My dad and I got registered and were shown around the building. Then we quietly settled down in the parents’ room.
Everyone liked the fact that we got refreshments like free packed lunches, cookies and tea.
The event started in a very exciting way.The other chess players and I found our tables in the hall and began our first game. I played in the strongest group. So all the games were tough. Although I lost one game, I was lucky to win the others.
After we had finished our games, we had a training session with Richard Pert. During that time, we learnt many tactics and strategies from famous chess players of the past.
Then we played 2 more games and had one more training session with Matthew Sadler and Natasha Regan. We learnt about a new powerful engine AlphaZero, which taught itself to play chess from scratch. It played millions of games with itself in just a few hours and became unbeatable among other chess engines.
The most unforgettable experience was that some of the top chess players in Britain came to observe our games and coach!
Thanks to all the people who gave up their Sunday for this event to run smoothly, and I am really looking forward to the next Train and Play day. A special thanks to anyone who participated in coaching: Richard Pert, Robin Slade, Matthew Sadler and Natasha Regan.
Report by Olga Latypova