European Youth Chess Championships - Prague

[David G Congalton]

Underway today. http://www.eycc2016.eu/

Tough first round for all of our juniors, who were significantly outgraded. Murad and Carolina's games were live. You can replay them here http://www.eycc2016.eu/games/live-coverage/b8-g8-live/ and here http://www.eycc2016.eu/games/live-covera...-g16-live/

Carolina's big sister Monica wasn't overawed by her opponents WCM title or the 324 grading points between them and is the joint winner of result of the day, alongside Ioannis who overcame a 354 point difference.

Good luck to everyone for tomorrow.

[Andy Howie]

If you want to see all our results in the same place

http://chess-results.com/tnr233629.aspx?...=30&wi=821

[Alan Tate]

Rating floor anyone?

[Adam Bremner]

Can of worms much? I used to think so yes, but now if people want to play, it isn't costing CS anything extra, then why not just send them? Getting experience of a proper event with preparation will make them better players down the line. As long as nobody comes back demoralised, which I don't think has happened here, it has to be a good thing.

[Alan Tate]

Why don't you ask Clement or (the) Andrew(s) if they were overstaffed.

[Andy McCulloch]

What are you really trying to get at?
Andy Burnett visited the event for one day.
Helping 11 junior with their preparation over 9 rounds singlehanded would be a rather onerous burden.

[andyburnett]

What are you really trying to get at?
Andy Burnett visited the event for one day.
Helping 11 junior with their preparation over 9 rounds singlehanded would be a rather onerous burden.

I was actually there for 2 and a half days Andy, but I wasn't officially part of the squad, just helping out a (very) little here and there while meeting with Chessbase/discussing some senior event things with the organiser.

Andrew Green and Clement (and the parents where appropriate) bore the entire prep/analysis 'burden' - I think it would be useful to have them comment at some point on what the best approach might be for future events of this type.

I would be very surprised if mixing with the junior 'elite' doesn't spur at least the majority of our young players on to new heights.

I seem to recall official and unofficial England squads at some point in the past - the federation supplying coaches for official, private coaching the responsibility of the others. Not sure how well it worked though - seems as though it could generate a little 'them and us' situation.

[Alan Jelfs]

What are you really trying to get at?
Andy Burnett visited the event for one day.
Helping 11 junior with their preparation over 9 rounds singlehanded would be a rather onerous burden.

I think that is Alan's point - the more players there are , the thinner the coaching resources are spread.

[Alan Tate]

I think that is Alan's point - the more players there are , the thinner the coaching resources are spread.

This was indeed my point. But it is far from the only reason to reduce numbers sent to these elite events.

[David G Congalton]

But it is far from the only reason to reduce numbers sent to these elite events.

The other reasons are..?