July 8, 2019

We are sitting here at the Philadelphia Airport after having played in the World Open. Sadly this year was not the performances we hoped to have. Matthew won half the possible points in the U2000 section but faced some tough competition. On the other hand, I basically had my head handed to me on a platter in the U900 no less. I started out strong with two wins. My third opponent kept leaving the room and then would enter with her father following behind her. I had no proof she was cheating but just the strong suspicion so I did not report it. Her father was standing over the game for much of it which was making me visibly nervous. I became distracted and lost the game. I did email the organizers about the concern and will address it further. While waiting for the pairings for round 9, I was talking to a gentleman who claimed his first opponent was cheating describing the same situation only indicating he actually saw the child talking to the father during the round. I asked the name of the opponent and sure enough it was the same person. The gentleman said he didn't want to "be that guy" and report it. In both our cases, after the game, the father asked if we wished to review the game. I declined but did find out he was a 2200. I don't know if he gave full assistance, clues, or just stood there to intimidate. I will say he seemed like a nice enough guy when I talked to him later. In another instance, I was playing a child. During the game another child came up and they started talking while holding and pointing to the notation sheet. I immediately paused the clock and went to get a TD (who had left the room). As we entered the kids were still holding the notation sheet, looking at it, and discussing it. The TD just told the other kid to stop from what I can tell (didn't do it in front of me or say anything to me or my opponent). He should have forfeited the game at that point. Would have been a valuable lesson. My other three losses, sadly, were well deserved. They were tough battles but I didn't have my focus. In the future, I would like to see the low groups have a no spectator rule or at least not allow parents, coaches, etc to be out in the hallways where players can easily talk to them while the unsuspecting opponent thinks they simply went to the restroom.

As a person who loves tournament directing as well as being a chess parent, I will say that I definitely renewed my perspective as a player and definitely encourage other TDs and parents to do the same. This year I am also vowing to start actual training and truly try to improve. After all, I tell my students they must truly practice in order to do better. I must practice what I preach. I spent last year taking college classes to get my full gifted teaching endorsement so chess for me fell a bit to the wayside. It is time to renew my focus on play while keeping up with directing and helping others pursue their chess dreams.