Tournament Tips: How to Help Your Kid Have Fun

Chess tournaments can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience for kids, especially those new to the competitive scene. As a parent or guardian, your role in making sure they have a positive experience is crucial. It’s not just about winning, but about learning, having fun, and growing in confidence. Here are some tips to help your child have a good time at their next chess tournament:

Prepare Together Before the Tournament
Bring Comfort Items
Keep the Pressure Low
Meet New Friends
Take Breaks and Have Fun
Celebrate the Experience
Review and Reflect Later

Prepare Together Before the Tournament

Before the big day, take time to prepare both mentally and physically with your child. Help them get familiar with tournament rules, the time control, and how the rounds typically work. A practice game with a chess clock can give them a sense of the pace they'll need to play. Preparing them mentally for wins and losses is key—focus on effort and improvement rather than just the result.

Let them know that every game is a learning opportunity. After all, even chess legends like Bobby Fischer and Magnus Carlsen have lost games along the way!

Bring Comfort Items

Tournament days can be long, so comfort is essential. Make sure your child has everything they need for a smooth day:

• Snacks & Water: Healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, or granola bars will keep their energy up. A water bottle is important to stay hydrated.
• Comfortable Clothing: Dress them in layers so they can adjust for any changes in temperature at the venue.
• A Book or Toy for Breaks: Sometimes the wait between rounds can be long, so having a favorite book, toy, or puzzle can help them relax and stay entertained.

Keep the Pressure Low

While it’s natural to want your child to do well, it's important to avoid placing too much pressure on them to win. Remind them that tournaments are about learning, not just results. If they lose a game, stay positive. You can ask them what they learned or what move they liked from their game. Celebrate their efforts regardless of the outcome. Let them know you're proud of how they're growing, win or lose.

This can be especially important for girls in chess, as they may face unique challenges. Encourage them to stay confident and enjoy the experience. Highlighting their progress, no matter the result, can help them feel more included and empowered.

Meet New Friends

Encourage your child to socialize and make friends at the tournament. Many kids who play chess share a love for the game, so it's a great chance for your child to bond with like-minded peers. During breaks between rounds, suggest they introduce themselves to other players or join in friendly games.

Some of the most enjoyable tournament experiences come from making new friends. Chess is as much about community as it is about competition!

Take Breaks and Have Fun

Between rounds, make sure your child gets a break. Whether it’s taking a walk, playing a quick game of catch, or grabbing a snack, these small breaks help your child reset and stay energized for the next round. If the venue is close to a park or playground, take advantage of that space to let them blow off some steam.

During the downtime, stay positive and keep conversations light and fun. Avoid overanalyzing games during the tournament itself—save the analysis for after the event so they can unwind.

Celebrate the Experience

Whether they win, lose, or draw, celebrate your child’s effort and participation at the end of the day. Maybe grab ice cream or do a fun activity afterward to reward them for competing. It’s important to emphasize that participating in a tournament is an achievement in itself, regardless of the outcome.

Review and Reflect Later

When the tournament is over, it’s a great opportunity to review the games together in a supportive way. Ask them to walk you through their thought process and help them see how they can improve. But make sure the immediate aftermath is about relaxing and enjoying the rest of the day before diving into analysis.

At the end of the day, chess tournaments are about more than just trophies and ratings. They’re a chance for your child to build confidence, meet new friends, and grow in their love for the game. By focusing on the experience rather than the results, you can ensure your child walks away from each tournament excited to play in the next one.