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SICM 2019 FAQ
SICM Main -- SICM FAQ -- SICM Registration
It all began on a park bench.
A few students wanted to go over their chess games and learn from them. Why sure, I'd be happy to. Hmm, when can I fit it into my busy family and work schedule? Tell you what, meet me at the Ferndale City Hall picnic table at lunch, and over sandwiches we'll learn from your games.
The park bench is now gone, and in its place is a new Ferndale library! We'll miss our outdoor meetings in the hot sun and wet rain, but the library definitely has its advantages.
The first summer park bench lessons were around 21 years ago, and the number of students kept growing. The most recent SICM was in 2016, with around 35 students participating.
About Coach
Randy Kaech is married to Deanna and has two boys who attend Ferndale schools. He has coached the Ferndale High School chess team for a few decades, and has earned the Expert rating (>2000) from the U.S. Chess Federation. His favorite chess teachers are Heisman, Pandolfini, Ashley, Root and Neff. His favorite chessplaying celebrities are Will Smith, C.S. Lewis, Chuck Norris, Nick Cage and Bono.
SICM 2019 FAQ
I may not be able to make it to some lunch lessons or a Grand Prix tourney due to vacation plans. Can I still join SICM?
A few is fine. Do tell Coach Kaech in advance which weeks you will be missing.I'm not any good at chess. Is SICM for me?
Yes it is. Come join the fun. In fact, you don't even know how to play chess. But you'll need to learn how before your first lunch lesson, and you can do so right here.I've played in lots of tournaments, and I'm good. Is SICM for me?
Yes it is. Together with Coach you will develop your own individualized training plan. The lunchtime groups are divided into players of similar skill level, as are the tournaments.I'm not in middle school yet. Can I join SICM?
If you will be entering 6th grade in the Fall, you may join SICM.I don't have Internet. Can I join SICM?
SICM assumes internet access, for both communication and training. However, we're happy to make accommodations for students who really want to learn.
Coach knows the non-digital equivalents that correspond to the online tools. After all, "Back when I was a kid, the internet was called 'books' !"Who sponsors SICM?
SICM is directed by Randy Kaech, with assistance from the Ferndale High School Chess Club and the Ferndale Public Library.After summer, will there be local tournaments I can play in?
Oh yes. During the next school year, the NWL PreSeason tournaments will happen on Monday eves, Bellingham Youth Chess will continue to hold Saturday Quads, the Whatcom County Middle School Chess League will return, and around six Saturday tournaments will happen in Whatcom County. Not to mention the school chess clubs to practice and play in. Oh, and the NW High School League. Plus, don't forget the State Championships.Also, unusually, the Washington State High School Chess Team Championships will be held in our area. Mount Vernon High School, February 28 and 29, 2020, to be precise.
For further info, email Randy.Kaech@ferndalesd.org.
SICM Main -- SICM FAQ -- SICM Registration
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