Western Heights outplay opponents

Niamh Karere's passion for chess is growing. Photo / Stephen Parker

Some of the city's most brilliant young minds have put their skills to the test as they attempted to outsmart each other in an inter-schools chess competition.

National programme Chess Power made its way to Rotorua last week to moderate the inter-school tournament, hosted by Chapman College.

Western Heights High School's Senior A came out on top for the team standings, followed by Edgecumbe College Senior A and Chapman College Senior A.

In the individual rankings, Western Heights High School's Reimana Remeka scored top marks, followed closely by his classmate Noel Tecson and Chapman College's Niel Rossouw.

Students from Kaharoa Primary School and Sunset Primary School also took part.

Chess veteran Niamh Karere, 14, knew exactly what to expect at this year's tournament. "I have taken part in this competition before, so I was more prepared this year and have learned new ways to outplay my opponents."

The Chapman College student said she was drawn to chess because it was a "really good learning experience".

"You learn skills in chess that can be applied to other areas of your life. What I like about chess is the strategy and the constant need to be thinking two steps ahead of your opponent. I love those mind games."

She said she was doing a lot better this year than last year.

"I'm not so nervous and all my energy and attention is going into just playing the game.

"I definitely think I'd like to keep playing chess and improving my strategy. Some of my opponents look at me and don't take me very seriously, so I like to show them it's bad to underestimate their competition."

Niamh ranked in the top 25 for individual players by the end of the tournament.

Chess Power coach and arbiter Bruce Pollard said the game was an ideal way to teach young people how to think strategically. "The beauty of chess is that it teaches young people skills they wouldn't necessarily pick up through their regular school subjects.

"Chess teaches people how to think and act strategically, how to read your opponent and how to anticipate future moves."