For the students of 582K, the National Scholastic Chess Championships is more than just a tournament. It is the result of months of practice, teamwork, and determination. From reviewing openings and endgames online to long hours with their coaches and playing against each other, these junior high students are working hard to grow as chess players and as friends.

For many of them, Nationals is also their first chance to travel far from home, sleep in a hotel, and compete against peers from across the country. Some feel nervous stepping into the huge tournament halls, while others are excited to experience new challenges and play alongside their best friends.

We sat down with Ethan, Evan, Kassim, Rafael, Tahiz, and Yerinmar to see how 582K is preparing for the road to Nationals, what they have learned from past experiences, and what they hope to accomplish this year.

First Impressions at Nationals

Q: How did it feel going to your first Nationals?
Tahiz: I was really really nervous because I knew the rounds were going to be way longer than here. They were like three hours. I was really nervous.
Yerinmar: For me it was really nerve-racking because it was my first Nationals and I wanted to do really good. There were a lot of people depending on me to win. But it was okay because I had my team with me. If I had lost, I would have gone to them and they would’ve helped me.
Ethan: It was really nerve-racking because the tournament room was huge. I didn’t know who I was going to face — these were kids from all over the country, not just from New York.

Q: What was your biggest “oh wow, I’m really here” moment?
Tahiz: When I got there and actually sat down, I was like, “Oh, I’m actually here. I’m gonna do this. I wanna win. I hope I do good.”
Yerinmar: When I walked in, I saw all the tables and chairs and I was like, “There’s a lot of people here.” Especially when I got lost, I realized I was really at Nationals.
Kassim: The first time I went, everything was exciting — the hotel, the people, the big playing halls.

Difference Between CIS Tournaments and Nationals

Q: What’s different about playing at Nationals compared to our regular CIS tournaments?
Tahiz: They’re longer — like all-day tournaments.
Yerinmar: And there’s a lot more sections, so you play people closer to your rating. It felt like there was less pressure.
Ethan: The biggest difference is the number of people. Also, traveling makes it more exciting. You get to be with your team and friends, but you still have to focus.
Rafael: You really have to focus on middle games. There’s a lot of pieces and more tactics to think about.

Favorite Memories

Q: What’s your favorite memory at Nationals?
Yerinmar: We shared a hotel and played around at night.
Tahiz: Yeah, we had a lot of fun together.
Kassim: One night we were getting ready for bed, singing and dancing in the hotel room. That was so funny.
Ethan: Spending four days together with the team really strengthens your bond.

Friends, Family, and Team Support

Q: You’re best friends, right? How did it feel going to Nationals together?
Yerinmar: Yeah, we’re best friends and cousins. I felt way safer having her there because we understand each other.
Tahiz: At school we have fun together, and at Nationals it was just us for five days, going around and enjoying everything.

Q: Did having a team help you stay motivated?
Evan: Yeah. They cheer me on after my games, whether I win or lose.
Yerinmar: Having her there motivates me. If she wins, I know I can win too. It’s not competition, just motivation.
Ethan: After a loss, teammates and coaches help you improve. It’s comforting and motivating.

Q: How did it feel to travel for Nationals with your family?
Tahiz: I have a brother who was in the club too, so I’m not the only one traveling. My dad really likes that I play chess and get opportunities to travel.
Rafael: Going to Nationals means meeting new people, learning new games, and preparing myself for the competition.

Staying Focused

Q: How do you stay calm before games?
Tahiz: I go to church, so for me, I pray before big games. It helps me focus and know that even if I lose, I can learn from it.
Yerinmar: I do the same thing. What motivates me is whenever she wins and I might lose, I think, “I can win too.”

Q: How do you balance fun and focus?
Tahiz: We get up on time, follow rules, and have fun, but we know what we need to do.
Yerinmar: Between games we play around, but during games, I lock in.
Kassim: We balance it by having small moments of fun at the hotel, but stay serious during matches.

Practice and Preparation

Q: How do you practice?
Evan: Online and with friends. I use Lichess. My rating is around 900.
Rafael: I usually go on chess.com, play against random opponents, and do lessons and puzzles. I focus on middle games.
Ethan: As Nationals gets closer, we focus on specific openings, endgames, and tricky situations. Learning becomes more important than just playing games.

Goals and Motivation

Q: What are your goals this year?
Tahiz: I want to win five or six games.
Yerinmar: Same, and to get my rating close to 700–800. I also want better results at Nationals.
Rafael: I want a medal or a trophy this year.
Ethan: I’m aiming for a plus score — more than half wins in my rounds.
Kassim: I hope to have fun, but also end with a medal or a trophy.

Lessons Learned

Q: How has Nationals helped you grow as a player?
Tahiz: I’ve developed a lot. My rating is higher than last year, and I know how to prepare and practice better.
Yerinmar: Nationals helps me focus on chess more while still having fun.
Kassim: Going to Nationals motivates me to improve and keep playing chess.
Ethan: It teaches endurance, time management, and how to work with a team under pressure.
Rafael: Meeting new people and learning new tactics prepares me for bigger challenges.