This is the first of the chess tournaments for the 2023-2024 school year
Leah Anaya
For Clark County Today
Students in Southwest Washington who play chess will now have an opportunity to compete in Clark County rather than traveling to another area. On Saturday, Oct. 14, starting at 8 a.m., Firmly Planted Homeschool Resource Center (FPHRC) will host “The Opening” Qualifier Chess Tournament in a family-friendly event.
Students will play five rounds, and there will be playoffs should a tie occur. This is the first of the chess tournaments for the 2023-2024 school year. The tournament is open to all students aged elementary through high school, whether they’re public, private, or homeschooled.
Tom Snyder, the FPHRC chess rep, pointed to the advantage of students who play chess, specifically face-to-face rather than online, which became more popular during the pandemic lockdown.
“Research has clearly shown a connection between students who play chess and their improved performance in math, science, and English,” Snyder said. “Kids who play chess show improvements in logical and sequential thinking. Even with the explosive growth of internet chess programs like chess.com, schools are seeing increased numbers of students who want to play traditional face-to-face chess.”
Snyder said he expects 200-250 people to attend.
FPHRC is located at 14001 SE 1st Street in Vancouver. Games will be held in the main theater-sized auditorium and in the Mathematics Department classrooms. Food will be available for families to purchase.
Registration can be completed on chessreg.com for $30 per player by 10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12.
Also read:
- POLL: After hearing state leaders describe the I-5 Bridge as vulnerable in an earthquake, what is your reaction?
State and local leaders describe the I-5 Bridge as structurally at risk but recommend drivers continue crossing it while complex replacement plans unfold. - Opinion: Historical state income tax and another massive operating budget highlight the end of the 2026 legislative session
Rep. John Ley details the passage of a state income tax, an expanding $80 billion budget, and new Clark County infrastructure funding following the 2026 legislative session. - VIDEO: Legal challenges certain as Gov. Ferguson prepares to sign new income tax
Senate Minority Leader John Braun and other legislators expect legal challenges and initiative efforts to follow Gov. Ferguson’s signature on Washington’s new income tax law affecting high earners and businesses. - Vancouver Fire Department honors firefighters, community members at annual awards ceremony
Acts of bravery, including river rescues and life-saving interventions by both residents and first responders, were recognized at the Vancouver Fire Department’s annual awards ceremony. - ‘Cram the Cruiser’ to benefit Battle Ground and Prairie High Schools
Officer Phil Anderson’s food pantry at Battle Ground High inspired Prairie High to launch its own, providing snacks and building bridges between students and law enforcement. - Opinion: Fighting for transparency in Washington government
A recent court decision allows Washington lawmakers broad new secrecy over internal records, as advocates report rising obstacles to government transparency and public engagement. - New Washington law clarifies what is an ‘election’
After a court ruling challenged the state’s definition of “election,” lawmakers clarified the law to prevent double voting and maintain the integrity of Washington’s ballots.
