ETL

Elementary Team League 2023-24 Matchday 7 Results

by Chess Center
2024-03-172024-04-03

Yesterday at St. Luke’s we brought the curtain down on the Metro Area Chess League for the season, with students from eleven of our clubs turning out to represent their school teams. In what was a close race all year to the finish, Spring Hill held on to first place in the final standings by ten points over Churchill Road, with White Oaks, Poplar Tree and Kent Gardens all close behind them.

However, while everyone competes hard to win, the results are of secondary importance when compared with the experience and confidence the students gain when representing their schools in a competitive setting. We’re happy to see several of our students from the League go on to take part in competitions like the state championships — held this past weekend — and the Nationals, coming up next month.

Round 13:
Kent Gardens 3-1 Colvin Run
Willow Springs 3-1 Ravensworth
Spring Hill 4-0 Oakton
Greenbriar West 2-2 Lorton Station
Orange Hunt 0-4 Poplar Tree
White Oaks 2-2 Churchill Road

Round 14:
Poplar Tree 3-1 Greenbriar West
Colvin Run 2.5-1.5 Willow Springs
Churchill Road 2-2 Spring Hill
Lorton Station 1-3 Kent Gardens
Oakton 1-0 Orange Hunt
Ravensworth 0-4 White Oaks

Final Standings after Matchday 7 of 7:

Spring Hill 178
Churchill Road 168
White Oaks 164
Poplar Tree 157
Kent Gardens 154
Willow Springs 130
Colvin Run 122
Greenbriar West 115
Orange Hunt 79
Oakton 52
Ravensworth 50
Lorton Station 36

Elementary Team League 2023-24 Matchday 6 Results

by Chess Center
2024-02-192024-03-13

We began the holiday weekend at St. Luke’s for the penultimate round of this season’s Elementary Team League. In spite of the inclement weather that as forecast for the morning, we still had a good turnout on Saturday afternoon.

The top of the leaderboard remains mostly unchanged. Spring Hill and Churchill Road remain in the top two positions and look set to fight it out for the season title on the final match day on March 16. White Oaks, Poplar Tree, and Kent Gardens are all still in with a mathematical chance of first place but they would need the leaders to slip up in four weeks.

Round 11:
Kent Gardens 4-0 Ravensworth
Spring Hill 2-2 Churchill Road
Greenbriar West 1-2 Poplar Tree
Oakton 0.5-1.5 Lorton Station
Orange Hunt 1-3 White Oaks
Colvin Run 2-1 Willow Springs

Round 12:
Churchill Road 3-1 Kent Gardens
Willow Springs 2.5-0.5 Oakton
White Oaks 3-0 Greenbriar West
Lorton Station 0-3 Spring Hill
Poplar Tree 0-3 Colvin Run
Ravensworth 2-1 Orange Hunt

Standings after Matchday 6 of 7:

Spring Hill 152
Churchill Road 148
White Oaks 138
Poplar Tree 127
Kent Gardens 126
Willow Springs 111
Colvin Run 103
Greenbriar West 99
Orange Hunt 79
Oakton 48
Ravensworth 40
Lorton Station 22

Elementary Team League 2023-24 Matchday 5 Results

by Chess Center
2024-02-052024-03-13

Just two rounds remain after the latest Saturday of matches in the Elementary Team League. Churchill Road and Spring Hill are still at the top of the leaderboard. Poplar Tree, with a perfect eight wins from eight games, remained in fourth but made some big gains on the schools in front.

The next League match is on February 17, and then the season finishes up on March 3. Any student from one of our after-school clubs who knows the rules of chess is welcome to sign up to play in the League, and we especially encourage those kids who have never played competitively outside of their school.

Round 9:

Willow Springs 0-4 Poplar Tree

Churchill Road 3-1 Greenbriar West

Spring Hill 3-1 Poplar Tree

Oakton 1-2 White Oaks

Lorton Station 0-4 Kent Gardens

Ravensworth 0-2 Orange Hunt

Round 10:

Kent Gardens 3-1 Willow Springs

Spring Hill 4-0 Ravensworth

Orange Hunt 1-3 Churchill Road

White Oaks 3-0 Lorton Station

Poplar Tree 4-0 Colvin Run

Greenbriar West 1-1 Oakton

Standings after Matchday 5 of 7:

Spring Hill 130

Churchill Road 124

White Oaks 115

Poplar Tree 111

Kent Gardens 104

Greenbriar West 85

Colvin Run 81

Willow Springs 77

Orange Hunt 65

Oakton 42

Ravensworth 32

Lorton Station 15

Elementary Team League 2023-24 Matchday 4 Results

by Chess Center
2024-01-212024-01-25

The snowy weather impacted this weekend’s Elementary Team League somewhat, as several of the participating teams were missing players. Those who did come join us yesterday at St. Luke’s enjoyed some exciting games of chess.

With the absences this week, schools who fielded full teams had an opportunity to move up in the overall standings. Spring Hill was one of the schools who did exactly that, winning both their matches to assume the top spot in the overall standings. Churchill Road was another to take advantage, picking up two match victories to advance to second place. With the season now more than half finished, lots of schools are still in contention.

Round 7:

Orange Hunt 1.5-0.5 Willow Springs

Kent Gardens 0-4 Greenbriar West

Spring Hill 3-1 Poplar Tree

White Oaks 2-1 Colvin Run

Lorton Station 0-4 Churchill Road

Ravensworth 1-0 Oakton

Round 8:

Greenbriar West 3.5-0.5 Orange Hunt

Churchill Road 4-0 Ravensworth

Oakton 0-3 Kent Gardens

Colvin Run 2-0 Lorton Station

Poplar Tree 2.5 – 1.5 White Oaks

Willow Springs 0-4 Spring Hill

Standings after Matchday 4 of 7:

Spring Hill 104

Churchill Road 96

White Oaks 93

Poplar Tree 79

Greenbriar West 77

Willow Springs 74

Kent Gardens 74

Colvin Run 67

Orange Hunt 53

Oakton 34

Ravensworth 30

Lorton Station 15

Elementary Team League 2023-24 Round 3 Results

by Chess Center
2024-01-142024-01-23

Back from the holiday break, we were pleased to resume the Elementary Team League yesterday at St. Luke’s. The rain and cold that we experienced in the morning eventually gave way to clear skies and some good chess games. The first board game in the White Oaks-Willow Springs match, in particular, was one of the more exciting games we’ve seen in the league this year.

Partially as a result of winning the aforementioned match against Willow Springs, White Oaks moved past them into the lead of the overall standings, with Spring Hill now close behind in second position. With more than half the season to go, there’s still plenty of time for anyone to make a run. The next match is next Saturday, January 20.

Round 5:

White Oaks 2.5 – 1.5 Willow Springs

Poplar Tree 2-2 Kent Gardens

Spring Hill 3-1 Orange Hunt

Lorton Station 1.5-1.5 Ravensworth

Churchill Road 3-0 Oakton

Colvin Run 3.5 – 0.5 Greenbriar West

Round 6:

Greenbriar West 1.5-1.5 Lorton Station

Willow Springs 0.5 – 2.5 Churchill Road

Oakton 0-4 Poplar Tree

Orange Hunt 3-1 Colvin Run

Kent Gardens 0.5 – 3.5 White Oaks

Ravensworth 1-3 Spring Hill

Standings after Matchday 3 of 8:

White Oaks 78

Spring Hill 74

Willow Springs 71

Churchill Road 64

Poplar Tree 60

Kent Gardens 58

Colvin Run 55

Greenbriar West 46

Orange Hunt 45

Oakton 34

Ravensworth 26

Lorton Station 15

Elementary Team League 2023-24 Round 2 Results

by Chess Center
2023-12-102024-01-23

Twelve school teams came out to St. Luke’s Methodist Church yesterday for matchday 2 of this season’s Elementary Team League. Among the players who turned up, we were especially happy to see so many students representing their schools for the first time. Our biggest goal is always practicing and building confidence for future tournaments.

Willow Springs continued their winning streak with two more match victories to extend their lead at the top of the standings. As is the custom each season, the League now enters its holiday break with the matches resuming on January 13 of the new year.

Round 3:

Spring Hill 1.5-2.5 White Oaks

Poplar Tree 1-3 Churchill Road

Orange Hunt 1-3 Kent Gardens

Greenbriar West 4-0 Ravensworth

Colvin Run 1-3 Oakton

Willow Springs 4-0 Lorton Station

Round 4:

Kent Gardens 0.5 – 3.5 Willow Springs

White Oaks 2-2 Greenbriar West

Churchill Road 3-1 Colvin Run

Oakton 1-3 Spring Hill

Lorton Station 0-4 Orange Hunt

Ravensworth 0-3 Poplar Tree

Standings after Matchday 2 of 8:

Willow Springs 61

White Oaks 50

Spring Hill 47

Kent Gardens 43

Churchill Road 39

Greenbriar West 36

Colvin Run 34

Poplar Tree 34

Oakton 32

Orange Hunt 25

Ravensworth 15

Lorton Station 4

Elementary Team League 2023-24 Round 1 Results

by Chess Center
2023-11-192023-11-28

The U.S. Chess Center’s Elementary Team League is back for a brand-new season of action. The first day of matches took place this past weekend at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Tyson’s Corner.

Teams consist of four players from each school, and every team plays two matches on each of the eight match days. Willow Springs is off to an early lead after recording 4-0 and 3-1 scores in their first two matches on Saturday, with White Oaks in second place as the only other team to have won both matches.

Round 1:

Ravensworth 1-3 White Oaks

Kent Gardens 3-1 Colvin Run

Greenbriar West 0-4 Spring Hill

Churchill Road 0-4 Willow Springs

Poplar Tree 2-0 Orange Hunt

Oakton 1-0 Lorton Station

Round 2:

Spring Hill 2-2 Kent Gardens

White Oaks 2.5 – 1.5 Churchill Road

Willow Springs 3-1 Greenbriar West

Lorton Station 0-2 Poplar Tree

Colvin Run 4-0 Ravensworth

Orange Hunt 0-2 Oakton

Standings after Matchday 1 of 8:

Willow Springs 30

White Oaks 27

Spring Hill 26

Kent Gardens 24

Colvin Run 22

Poplar Tree 16

Oakton 12

Churchill Road 11

Greenbriar West 10

Ravensworth 10

Lorton Station 2

Orange Hunt 2

Any student in our after school chess clubs can sign up to play in the ETL, and we especially like to encourage participaton among those students who have never played in competitions outside of their schools. With a total of eight match days in the season, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone, so if your child is interested in playing, reach out to their chess club instructor.

Elementary Team League 2022-23 Matchday 8 Results

by Chess Center
2023-03-252023-04-20

The final matchday of this year’s Elementary Team League wrapped up earlier today. At the end of a close race for the season championship, Spring Hill Elementary took the title ahead of Churchill Road, who settled for the runner-up spot. White Oaks swept both of their matches by 4-0 scores to earn the final spot on the podium. Congratulations to the winners!

We’re grateful to St. Luke’s for providing the venue and tables for most of the matchdays this year, and thankful to the over 200 students from 12 schools who took part in the League this year. Playing in the ETL helps these students build the skills and confidence to represent their schools in strong tournaments. With the national elementary school championships being staged later this year in Baltimore, we anticipate some of these students will be taking part.

Round 15 Results

Westbriar 1-3 Spring Hill

Churchill Road 0-4 White Oaks

Poplar Tree 3.5-0.5 Kent Gardens

Colvin Run 4-0 Ravensworth

Orange Hunt 0-4 Greenbriar West

Willow Springs 3-0 Lorton Station

Round 16 Results

Greenbriar West 2-2 Westbriar

Spring Hill 3.5 – 0.5 Colvin Run

Ravensworth 2-2 Willow Springs

Lorton Station 2-0 Orange Hunt

White Oaks 4-0 Poplar Tree

Kent Gardens 1-3 Churchill Road

Final Team Standings After Matchday 8

Spring Hill 196

Churchill Road 184

White Oaks 176

Greenbriar West 174

Kent Gardens 164

Colvin Run 154

Westbriar 153

Willow Springs 153

Lorton Station 128

Poplar Tree 126

Ravensworth 88

Orange Hunt 85

Elementary Team League 2022-23 Matchday 7 Results

by Chess Center
2023-03-122023-04-20

This season of the Elementary Team League is in the homestretch and last Saturday’s matches again drew a near-maximum turnout. Churchill Road won an important match against leaders Spring Hill and is now just a single point behind heading into the final day of matches. Third place Kent Gardens is also still in with a chance but would need results in the top two schools’ matches to go their way in order to catch up.

The final matches are on Saturday, March 25 and all of our after-school chess club members are welcome to sign up to join in the fun. If your child is interested in participating, please reach out to their school club instructor.

Round 13 Results

Lorton Station 1-3 Greenbriar West

Westbriar 2-1 White Oaks

Ravensworth 2-2 Kent Gardens

Colvin Run 2-2 Orange Hunt

Churchill Road 4-0 Poplar Tree

Willow Springs 1-3 Spring Hill

Round 14 Results

Poplar Tree 3-0 Westbriar

White Oaks 3-1 Colvin Run

Greenbriar West 2-2 Willow Springs

Orange Hunt 1-2 Ravensworth

Kent Gardens 3-1 Lorton Station

Spring Hill 1-3 Churchill Road

Team Standings After Matchday 7

Spring Hill 167

Churchill Road 166

Kent Gardens 155

Greenbriar West 148

White Oaks 144

Westbriar 137

Colvin Run 133

Willow Springs 131

Lorton Station 117

Poplar Tree 107

Orange Hunt 85

Ravensworth 74

Elementary Team League 2022-23 Matchday 6 Results

by Chess Center
2023-02-182023-06-27

We’re now at the three-quarter mark of what has been a very fun Elementary Team League season. As always, we were happy to see many new faces at yesterday’s matches. Playing in the ETL is a great start point for students who want to build up the skills and confidence to represent their schools in other competitions.

In the overall season standings, Spring Hill has edged slightly ahead of its closest pursuers with the results of Saturday’s games, but several other schools remain in striking distance with two matchdays to go.

Round 11 Results

Kent Gardens 3-0 Orange Hunt

Churchill Road 3.5-0.5 Willow Springs

White Oaks 4-0 Ravensworth

Colvin Run 0-4 Westbriar

Poplar Tree 0-3 Lorton Station

Greenbriar West 1-3 Spring Hill

Round 12 Results

Spring Hill 4-0 Poplar Tree

Ravensworth 1-3 Greenbriar West

Willow Springs 3.5-0.5 White Oaks

Westbriar 2-2 Kent Gardens

Lorton Station 3-1 Colvin Run

Orange Hunt 1-3 Churchill Road

Team Standings After Matchday 6

Spring Hill 147

Churchill Road 136

Kent Gardens 131

White Oaks 126

Greenbriar West 124

Westbriar 121

Colvin Run 117

Willow Springs 115

Lorton Station 106

Poplar Tree 90

Orange Hunt 73

Ravensworth 56

Elementary Team League 2022-23 Matchday 5 Results

by Chess Center
2023-02-042023-02-07

The competition is tightening at the top of the Elementary Team League as we move further into the season. Spring Hill Elementary holds the lead after yesterday’s day of matches, but five other schools are within 13 points of the top spot. Since schools can earn a maximum of 32 points on a given matchday, this season’s competition looks set to go all the way to the final day of matches at the end of March.

Greenbriar West Elementary was a standout performer in last Saturday’s meeting, sweeping both of their matches 4-0 to catch up to the battle for the lead. Three matchdays remain in the season, and there’s still time to get in on the excitement. Participation in the League is free and open to anyone in one of our after-school chess clubs.

Round 9 Results

Colvin Run 2.5 – 1.5 Spring Hill

Lorton Station 1-3 Willow Springs

White Oaks 2-2 Kent Gardens

Orange Hunt 3-1 Westbriar

Churchill Road 2-0 Ravensworth

Poplar Tree 0-4 Greenbriar West

Round 10 Results

Ravensworth 1-2 Poplar Tree

Greenbriar West 4-0 Colvin Run

Spring Hill 2.5-1.5 White Oaks

Kent Gardens 4-0 Lorton Station

Willow Springs 2-2 Orange Hunt

Westbriar 3-1 Churchill Road

Team Standings After Matchday 5

Spring Hill 117

Kent Gardens 109

Churchill Road 107

Colvin Run 107

Willow Springs 106

Greenbriar West 104

White Oaks 95

Westbriar 95

Poplar Tree 86

Lorton Station 80

Orange Hunt 68

Ravensworth 44

Elementary Team League 2022-23 Matchday 4 Results

by Chess Center
2023-01-212023-02-07

Round 4 of the Elementary Team League was played earlier today. Spring Hill Elementary moved into first place with a 30-point day, scoring six wins and two draws from their eight games, one of many shakeups in the standings as the season hit the halfway mark.

Round 7 Results

Westbriar 1-3 Spring Hill

Kent Gardens 1-3 Colvin Run

Churchill Road 4-0 Greenbriar West

Orange Hunt 0.5-3.5 White Oaks

Ravensworth 0-4 Lorton Station

Willow Springs 3-1 Poplar Tree

Round 8 Results

Colvin Run 3-1 Willow Springs

Greenbriar West 1-3 Kent Gardens

Spring Hill 4-0 Ravensworth

White Oaks 0.5-3.5 Westbriar

Poplar Tree 3.5-0.5 Orange Hunt

Lorton Station 3-1 Churchill Road

Team Standings After Matchday 4

Spring Hill 97

Churchill Road 95

Colvin Run 90

Kent Gardens 83

Willow Springs 82

White Oaks 78

Westbriar 75

Poplar Tree 73

Greenbriar West 72

Lorton Station 71

Orange Hunt 50

Ravensworth 35

The season continues on February 4, followed by three more matchdays in February and March. Participation in the League is free of charge and open to anyone in an after-school chess club of ours.

Elementary Team League 2022-23 Matchday 3 Results

by Chess Center
2023-01-082023-01-09

Back from the winter break, the Elementary Team League returned to St. Luke’s Methodist Church for the third matchday of the 2022-23 season. Among the more than 40 elementary-schoolers who turned up to play, we were happy to see many students who’d never taken part in competitions outside of their school clubs. Representing their schools in the League is an excellent foundation for these students to build on for other tournaments in the future.

Round 5 Results

Willow Springs 3-1 Westbriar

Greenbriar West 1.5-2.5 Colvin Run

Churchill Road 3.5-0.5 Spring Hill

Lorton Station 2-2 White Oaks

Ravensworth 1-3 Orange Hunt

Poplar Tree 1-3 Kent Gardens

Round 6 Results

Kent Gardens 3-1 Willow Springs

Westbriar 2-2 Ravensworth

Spring Hill 2-2 Lorton Station

Orange Hunt 1-3 Greenbriar West

White Oaks 2-2 Poplar Tree

Colvin Run 2-2 Churchill Road

Team Standings After Matchday 3

Churchill Road 73

Spring Hill 67

Greenbriar West 64

Kent Gardens 63

Westbriar 63

Willow Springs 62

Colvin Run 62

Poplar Tree 52

White Oaks 50

Lorton Station 41

Orange Hunt 40

Ravensworth 31

Elementary Team League 2022-23 Matchday 2 Results

by Chess Center
2022-12-042022-12-13

Spring Hill Elementary played host to the second matchday of the Elementary Team League yesterday, December 3. Over 40 students turned up to represent their schools.

Round 3 Results

Westbriar 3-1 Poplar Tree

White Oaks 0-4 Churchill Road

Kent Gardens 1-3 Spring Hill

Colvin Run 2-2 Willow Springs

Ravensworth 0-4 Greenbriar West

Orange Hunt 3-1 Lorton Station

Round 4 Results

Spring Hill 3-1 Orange Hunt

Poplar Tree 2-2 Colvin Run

Greenbriar West 3.5 – 0.5 White Oaks

Lorton Station 1.5-2.5 Westbriar

Churchill Road 4-0 Kent Gardens

Willow Springs 3-0 Ravensworth

Team Standings After Matchday 2

Churchill Road 58

Spring Hill 52

Westbriar 47

Greenbriar West 43

Willow Springs 42

Colvin Run 39

Poplar Tree 36

Kent Gardens 35

White Oaks 32

Lorton Station 21

Orange Hunt 20

Ravensworth 17

The League breaks for the holiday season and resumes on January 7, 2023. Participation is free and open to all students enrolled in one of our after-school chess clubs. Please reach out to your chess club instructor if you would like your child to participate in the League this season.

2022-23 Elementary Team League Season Kicks Off

by Chess Center
2022-11-242022-12-13

Representatives from 11 school teams came together the Saturday before Thanksgiving for the first round of the new season of the Elementary Team League. As with last year’s competition, St. Luke’s Methodist Church was the venue.

For many of these students, it was their first time representing their school in a competitive chess event. With several major competitions on the horizon, such as the national K-12 grade level championship in a couple of weeks, our number one goal is to help the kids build experience and confidence they need to compete.

Round 1 Results

Westbriar 3-1 Greenbriar West

Poplar Tree 2-2 Churchill Road

Willow Springs 1-3 Spring Hill

Colvin Run 3.5-0.5 Ravensworth

Kent Gardens 2.5-1.5 Mixed Team

White Oaks 3.5-0.5 Mixed Team

Lorton Station 0-4 Mixed Team

Round 2 Results

White Oaks 3-1 Colvin Run

Greenbriar West 1-3 Willow Springs

Lorton Station 0-4 Kent Gardens

Churchill Road 4-0 Mixed Team

Westbriar 1-3 Mixed Team

Ravensworth 1-3 Mixed Team

Team Standings After Matchday 1

Kent Gardens: 27

White Oaks: 27

Churchill Road: 26

Spring Hill: 24

Poplar Tree: 20

Westbriar: 20

Willow Springs: 20

Colvin Run: 19

Greenbriar West: 12

Ravensworth: 11

Lorton Station: 8

Orange Hunt: 0

Our scoring system for the league is constructed to encourage participation. Students who play a game earn 1 point for their school team, with an additional 2 points awarded for a win and 1 point for a draw. Winning a match is worth 4 bonus points for the school, while drawing a match is worth 2 bonus points, so teams can earn a maximum of 16 points per match.

Elementary Team League 2021-22: Round 8 Results

by Chess Center
2022-03-062022-03-30

It’s been a great season of competition in the Elementary Team League this year. Congratulations to Colvin Run Elementary (Vienna, VA), who took the lead at the halfway point of the season and never looked back, clinching the league championship with a match to spare. White Oaks Elementary came out on top of a battle for second, with Spring Hill edging Greenbriar West for third.

Saturday, March 6 was the final day of matches for the season, and again we had a near-perfect turnout as nearly 40 students turned up to compete for their schools.

Round 1:

Greenbriar West 2-2 Stratford Landing

Colvin Run 2-2 Ravensworth

Westbriar 3-1 Kent Gardens

White Oaks 2-2 Spring Hill

Poplar Tree 4-0 Willow Springs

Round 2:

Spring Hill 3-1 Westbriar

Willow Springs 1.5-2.5 Colvin Run

Greenbriar West 2-2 Poplar Tree

Ravensworth 1-3 White Oaks

Kent Gardens 0-4 Stratford Landing

Final Standings after Matchday 8:

Colvin Run 204

White Oaks 177

Spring Hill 168

Greenbriar West 163

Kent Gardens 144

Poplar Tree 142

Ravensworth 121

Stratford Landing 111

Willow Springs 104

Westbriar 77

One final thank-you to St. Luke’s Methodist Church for providing the venue for us to return to in-person competition this year, after we were online last season. Win or lose, playing in the league has provided valuable experience for everyone this year, especially those who are taking part in the state and national championships later this spring.

Elementary Team League 2021-22: Round 7 Results

by Chess Center
2022-02-192022-03-30

More than 30 students showed up to St. Luke’s Methodist Church this past weekend to represent their schools in the Elementary Team League. With one round remaining in the competiton, Colvin Run Elementary continues in the lead while White Oaks, Greenbriar West and the fast-rising Spring Hill are locked in a battle for second.

Round 1:

Greenbriar West 1-3 Colvin Run

Ravensworth 3-1 Stratford Landing

Poplar Tree 1-1 Westbriar

White Oaks 2.5-1.5 Kent Gardens

Spring Hill 4-0 Willow Springs

Round 2:

Colvin Run 1-3 Spring Hill

Willow Springs 0-4 White Oaks

Stratford Landing 2-0 Poplar Tree

Westbriar 0-4 Greenbriar West

Kent Gardens 0.5-3.5 Ravensworth

Standings after Matchday 7:

Colvin Run 181

White Oaks 153

Greenbriar West 145

Spring Hill 144

Kent Gardens 134

Poplar Tree 116

Ravensworth 105

Willow Springs 93

Stratford Landing 85

Westbriar 57

Elementary Team League 2021-22: Round 6 Results

by Chess Center
2022-02-052022-03-30

With yesterday’s wind and below freezing temperatures in Northern Virginia, it was another day of great “chess weather.” The Elementary Team League returned to its usual playing site at St. Luke’s Methodist Church and we had a near-perfect turnout of ten school teams. Leaders Colvin Run Elementary continued their good form, scoring big wins against the schools that started the day in second and third place in the standings, Kent Gardens and White Oaks.

Round 1:

Greenbriar West 2-2 Willow Springs

Ravensworth 0-4 Spring Hill

Stratford Landing 3-1 Westbriar

Colvin Run 4-0 Kent Gardens

Poplar Tree 2-2 White Oaks

Round 2:

Kent Gardens 1.5-1.5 Greenbriar West

Willow Springs 1-3 Stratford Landing

Spring Hill 3-1 Poplar Tree

White Oaks 0.5-3.5 Colvin Run

Westbriar 2-2 Ravensworth

Standings after Matchday 6:

Colvin Run 161

White Oaks 124

Greenbriar West 123

Kent Gardens 122

Spring Hill 114

Poplar Tree 110

Willow Springs 85

Ravensworth 76

Stratford Landing 73

Westbriar 51

Two match days remain for this season: February 19 and March 5. Playing in the League is free and open to anyone enrolled in an after-school chess club of ours so if your child is interested, please reach out to their club instructor.

Elementary Team League 2021-22: Round 5 Results

by Chess Center
2022-01-232022-03-30

Yesterday, January 22, was the fifth matchday of this season’s Elementary Team League. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church again played host. With two straight 4-0 victories, Colvin Run Elementary (Vienna, VA) extended their lead at the top of the season standings.

Round 1:

White Oaks 1-3 Greenbriar West

Willow Springs 2.5-1.5 Stratford Landing

Westbriar 0-4 Colvin Run

Spring Hill 2-2 Kent Gardens

Poplar Tree 1.5-1.5 Ravensworth

Round 2:

Kent Gardens 2-2 Willow Springs

Colvin Run 4-0 Poplar Tree

Greenbriar West 1-3 Spring Hill

Stratford Landing 1.5-2.5 White Oaks

Ravensworth 2.5-0.5 Westbriar

Standings after Matchday 4:

Colvin Run 130

Kent Gardens 113

White Oaks 109

Greenbriar West 107

Poplar Tree 94

Spring Hill 84

Willow Springs 69

Ravensworth 64

Stratford Landing 47

Westbriar 39

If your child is enrolled in an after school chess club of ours and would like to sign up to play in the Elementary Team League, contact their club instructor. Our next scheduled match day is Saturday, February 5.

Elementary Team League 2021-22: Round 4 Results

by Chess Center
2022-01-092022-01-12

Ten school teams braved the frigid winter weather yesterday to come out for the fourth match day of this season’s Elementary Team League at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. With the season half finished, we have a new leader in the overall standings, as Colvin Run Elementary (Vienna, VA) won both of their matches to overtake Kent Gardens.

Round 1:

Ravensworth 2.5-1.5 Kent Gardens

White Oaks 3-0 Westbriar

Greenbriar West 1-3 Colvin Run

Spring Hill 2-1 Willow Springs

Poplar Tree 2.5-1.5 Stratford Landing

Round 2:

Kent Gardens 2.5-1.5 Poplar Tree

Colvin Run 2.5-1.5 Ravensworth

Stratford Landing 2-2 Spring Hill

Willow Springs 3-1 White Oaks

Westbriar 0-4 Greenbriar West

Standings after Matchday 4:

Colvin Run 98

Kent Gardens 93

White Oaks 90

Greenbriar West 87

Poplar Tree 87

Spring Hill 60

Ravensworth 46

Willow Springs 46

Westbriar 34

Stratford Landing 33

Any student enrolled in an after school chess club of ours can sign up to play in the League. Participating is a great opportunity to practice and gain experience for important tournaments like the state and national championships this spring. If your child is interested in taking part, contact their club instructor. Saturday, January 22 is the next scheduled match day.

Elementary Team League 2021-22: Round 3 Results

by Chess Center
2021-12-192022-01-12

Nearly 40 students from ten schools showed up for this past Saturday’s Elementary Team League competition. Last Saturday was the third matchday of the eight scheduled for the season. Once again, we thank St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for providing the venue and tables.

We enter the holiday break with Kent Gardens Elementary still leading the overall standings. The remaining matchdays are January 8, January 22, February 5, February 19 and March 5.

Round 1:

Poplar Tree 4-0 Willow Springs

Colvin Run 3-1 Spring Hill

Westbriar 0-4 Kent Gardens

White Oaks 4-0 Ravensworth

Greenbriar West 4-0 Stratford Landing

Round 2:

Kent Gardens 2-2 White Oaks

Stratford Landing 0-4 Colvin Run

Willow Springs 1.5 -1.5 Westbriar

Spring Hill 1-3 Poplar Tree

Ravensworth 2-2 Greenbriar West

Standings after Matchday 3:

Kent Gardens 76

Colvin Run 71

White Oaks 69

Greenbriar West 65

Poplar Tree 64

Spring Hill 42

Westbriar 32
Ravensworth 26

Willow Springs 22

Stratford Landing 16

Playing in the League is free and open to every student enrolled in one of our after school chess clubs. We especially encourage students who’ve never played tournament chess outside of their school to reach out to their club instructor and sign up to play.

Elementary Team League Matchday 2: Results and Standings

by Chess Center
2021-12-042021-12-15

On December 4, ten school teams showed up at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church to compete in the second Saturday of matches for this season’s Elementary Team League. Early leaders Kent Gardens continued their strong run by winning their first match of the day, before Greenbriar West edged them in the second match giving the rest of the field the chance to catch up a little.

Round 1:

Westbriar 2-2 Poplar Tree

Greenbriar West 2-2 Spring Hill

Stratford Landing 1-3 Kent Gardens

White Oaks 1.5-2.5 Colvin Run

Willow Springs 2-1 Ravensworth

Round 2:

Kent Gardens 1.5-2.5 Greenbriar West

Colvin Run 4-0 Willow Springs

Poplar Tree 1-3 White Oaks

Spring Hill 1.5-2.5 Westbriar

Ravensworth 2-1 Stratford Landing

Standings after Matchday 2:

Kent Gardens 50

White Oaks 43

Colvin Run 41

Greenbriar West 39

Poplar Tree 34

Spring Hill 32

Westbriar 23
Ravensworth 14

Willow Springs 13

Stratford Landing 8

Our scoring system is weighted to reward those schools that show up with a full team, since the main goal, as always, is improving the students’ skills.

The remaining Saturday league days this season are December 18, January 8, January 22, February 5, February 19 and March 5. Participation is free and available to all students enrolled in one of our in-person after school chess clubs. Please reach out to your chess instructor if your child would like to play for their school on a future Saturday.

Elementary Team League Kicks Off New Season

by U.S. Chess Center Admin
2021-11-222021-12-15

The Elementary Team League has returned to in-person match play after being run online last year. This past Saturday, November 20, saw the first two rounds of the 2021-22 season. Our thanks go out to St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Falls Church, VA, for providing the venue and tables. Kent Gardens Elementary (McLean, VA) was the only school to win both of their first two matches and took the early lead.

Since the League began over 20 years ago, thousands of elementary schoolchildren have taken part. Participating provides the students with tournament chess experience and builds the confidence that helps them represent their schools in competitions like the state and national championships.

Round 1:

Poplar Tree 3-1 Colvin Run

Spring Hill 0.5-3.5 Kent Gardens

White Oaks 3-1 Greenbriar West

Round 2:

White Oaks 2-2 Spring Hill

Kent Gardens 3-1 Colvin Run

Poplar Tree 2-2 GBW

Standings after Matchday 1:

Kent Gardens 29

Poplar Tree 22

White Oaks 22

Greenbriar West 16

Spring Hill 15

Colvin Run 12

Our scoring system incentivizes showing up with a full team. As always, the more the students show up ready to play and do their best, the faster they improve.

The remaining Saturday match days this season are December 4, December 18, January 8, January 22, February 5, February 19 and March 5. Participation is free and open to all students enrolled in one of our in-person after school chess clubs. If your child would like to take part on a future Saturday, please reach out to their chess club instructor.

Elementary Team League (ETL): Match Day 7 (of 8)

by Chris McCleary
2021-10-252021-12-27

Students participating in a U.S. Chess Center after-school chess club have the opportunity to participate in the Elementary Team League, a fun competition that takes place from 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm on various Saturdays from November until March. This local team event has been a tradition for more than 20 years, bringing together students to represent their chess clubs in friendly matches against other schools. Students of all levels of experience are welcome.