The following article is an interview conducted by Tyler Slavin, the 3rd board for the Viking Chess Team to recap the end of the season with his coach, Mr. Steven Trainor:
Tyler: How did you first get involved as the chess team coach?
Mr. Trainor: As the SBHS Chess Club was being solidified entering the 2023-2024 school year our first club president, Om Janamanchi, requested I be the club advisor. The Viking Chess team followed very closely timingwise and SBHS was actively competing by November of that school year.
Tyler: What’s your rating, and how often do you play?
Mr. Trainor: It’s funny that I’ve played less chess recently than prior to becoming the advisor and coach. I have a USCF membership but have yet to compete over-the-board. I hope to get into an over-the-board tournament with a little more practice! On Chess.com I have a daily/correspondence rating of 1750+ and a live/rapid rating just north of 1000. I’m much more comfortable with a day to think about each move; where the Viking Chess team excels in all formats.
Tyler: Tell me what you enjoy most about coaching?
Mr. Trainor: As with teaching, assuredly my favorite part is opening up opportunities for the students of SBHS. Success is largely planned: “Line it up, knock it down”. It is quite a joy watching the Viking Chess team perform.
Tyler: Do you think that playing online or playing in person is better?
Mr. Trainor: Online platforms offer a good deal of benefits such as speed, brevity, ratings, and game analysis. In person, however, takes the cake. Nothing can compare to playing against a human, discussing maneuverings, and the general comeradery of a common interest. Join Chess Club!!
Tyler: Can you give advice to any students who want to try out for the team?
Mr. Trainor: If you are looking to learn then the SBHS chess club is for you. Very sociable and informative. If you are proficient and enjoy tough competition, then bring your “A” game to Viking Chess tryouts next October!
Tyler: What do you hope students take away from being part of the chess club and, if they make it, the varsity chess team?
Mr. Trainor: I love the social aspects of both the club and team. Playing chess, discussing chess, and improving skills are the primary takeaways. As in life, there is always room for improvement — diligence and hard work always pay off in the long run.
Tyler: I’ve noticed a lot of kids playing chess on their devices whenever there’s downtime. Have you noticed that too?
Mr. Trainor: As a computer science teacher, yes! If you enjoy a game, stop by a club meeting. Everyone enjoys some mental exercise and chess is a good way to become a lifelong learner. (Now back to the class work!)
Tyler: And tell us a bit about how the team performed this past season
Mr. Trainor: Our best season yet, tremendous work by our players! The team went 7 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw during the online regular season earning 1st place in the Kasparov division. In person, we earned a 1st place , a 2nd place , and a 3rd place at USCF rated events including the Championship Tournament. All told, some 29 trophies for the Viking Chess Team!
Tyler: Thanks for your time Mr. Trainor.
Check out this game analysis I published to Viking Vibe last month, and come to Chess Club on Wednesdays if you’re interested in chess!
Inside the Mind of An SBHS Chess Star – The Viking Vibe
Read Tyler’s interview with Chess Club co-founder Daksh Bafna
