Chess Life Julio 2012 | Page 37

is there to do in-between games after all, except have a little fun? And for all the girls, there was also the special treat of getting to meet and be inspired by Ruth Haring, president of the USCF, who was present throughout the tournament to encourage and offer words of wisdom. After the final games, for example, Ruth made sure to visit team rooms and cheer on the girls’ efforts. While speaking to one team, she told them to keep playing chess, grow up to be strong players, and ... “beat people!” interjected one spritely girl. When Ruth tried to finish, the girl repeated, “beat people! beat people!” So there you have it: there was definitely not a lack of spirited competition at the All-Girls Chess Championships! There was the usual nervousness and tension, but there was definitely no lack of excitement and fun. So go out there and “beat people!” EVERYONE’S GETTING READY FOR THEIR MATCH TO BEGIN. GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A GREAT GAME! uschess.org COMPETITION GETS FIERCE! Chess Life — July 2012 35