Jay Stallings makes chess fun

Jul 14, 2014
2 min read

I feel so fortunate to have been a part of the Metropolitan/ACA Chess Camp. It was truly a great experience that I will remember. One of the biggest highlights for me was watching Jay Stallings teach the under 1000 section. Given that probably only 1-2% of students actually ever reach a level above a rating of 1000 and seriously compete in tournaments, it is essential to keep kids interested so they don't simply stop playing chess.

Jay Stallings/CYCL is an unbelievable instructor. He used creative and effective ways to keep the kids engaged and interested in 8 hours of chess camp instruction and play. One example of how he accomplished this is that he played traditional games incoporating chess concepts into the game. He held relay races for the kids. They were placed on one of two teams and had to compete by solving simple tactics and complete mates in one. He also used storytelling to explain complicated concepts. And he rewarded the students with stamps in a Passport providing the kids with a sense of accomplishment as they tackled difficult chess strategies.

Each group (based on rating level) of the camp held a daily 2 game tournament where after 4 days, the person who won the most games for their group secured a spot to play a 5 minute blitz game with Grandmaster Levon Aronian, who is ranked #2 in the world just behind Magnus Carlsen.

In Jay's group, two kids were tied for first place. Jay organized a tie-break game. He had the kids play in one room and had the rest of the students in another room. He projected the game on a large screen, and commentated on the LIVE game as the other kids watched. After the game was over, both opponents joined the group as Jay analyzed the game with the class.

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Above is a tournament game

Above is Jay giving a lecture

Jay above with assistant coach Jerry Yee and camp host, ACA founder Armen Ambartsoumian

Above is a sample of his original teaching materials and Chess App that he uses in his instruction.

Above is a shot of Jay about to give a high five to one of the kids for completing his relay challenge.

Above are the two finalist in their tie-break game.

Jay also made a point of helping move things along during the Q&A phase with Levon Aronian. There are only so many times you can be asked "Have you ever beat Magnus Carlsen". Jay was able to divert and field questions. The answer is YES, three times.