Alex Holmes plays in Masters- Should he?

[Michael Holmes]

Alex played in the IL tourney in the masters division. He now wants to play in the Men's Nationals in the Masters. Should he play in that division?
What are your thoughts on this. Please be diplomatic with your response.
Michael Holmes

[Chexhero]

I played Alex last year in the majors at nationals. He was one of my toughest opponents, but certainly not masters yet. However, that was last year, he has obviously improved so I can't say for sure. Lets see how he does in the masters at PA. Big jump from majors to masters.

[ae_ted]

He won majors to EARN his way into masters. There are no STANDARDIZED rules written by ACF or used across the board in state tournaments. Playing in master division will greatly speed his progress by playing tougher competition and again....He has EARNED it. About the only one that would not agree with me here is Alex M., and he just fears competition and wants the biggest money purse available. I hope he plays master division from now on and look forward to seeing his name continue to move on up. Young people is what this sport needs to grow and his story is a example to follow. Congratulations to Alex Holmes
!!!!!!!! is there a award for being ACF's youngest "master" ????? should be! Do a story on the youngest master player at Nationals, Yes he should play in mater division!

[nboatman]

Ted, you have to keep in mind that the master's division at nationals is much stronger than the master's division at most tournaments. This has a sort of trickle down effect: the major's division is stronger than most major's divisions (though the difference is not as pronounced as for the master's division). Therefore, I'm not sure that winning a major's division at another tournament means one should play in the master's division at nationals. In fact, I'm still undecided where I will play if I'm able to attend.

Now, back to the matter at hand. Alex is playing very well; his draws against Larry at the Illinois tournament were impressive. If he chooses to play in the master's division, there's plenty of justification for that. He may want to decide at the tournament when he sees how the field is shaping up. Another thing to keep in mind is how well he knows the openings in the "tough deck" that the masters will use. By the way, which openings are included in the tough deck?

-Nick

[Chexhero]

Alex Holmes was strong in the PA tournament, certainly much improved since last year. He was last in the masters, but tied Alan Millhone in the standings who normally plays masters, impressive. In my opinion he could play in masters, but I think it be better if he plays down in majors this year. Let him try and win that and give him a boost of confidence before he plays in a brutal masters division. He has the skills and potential, just needs a little more knowledge and experience.

[Michael Holmes]

Thanks Joe. I reviewed the games he played with you and Dr. Beckwith and his opening and midgames are very strong. He is a good endgame player and should be able to play at a master's level for a couple of games. However, I think you are right about getting more experience and longivity as the Nationals require lots of stamina and patience that takes years to acquire. I think he should wait 1 or 2 years before he plays in the Masters at the National level.

One of the deciding factors will be the TN State Tourney next year. He will play in the Masters there and since that is like a mini-national the outcome of that tournament will help us make the choice for next year's national.

[Chexhero]

2nd game against him, he had me in a loss. Totally shocked when I looked over the game because I thought we were in the centre opening, but we weren't, I was making really quick moves too, so I got really lucky. Did you find that? It was move 8 I believe that he missed.

[Michael Holmes]

Joe I did see where he had you and doctor beckwith in a loss .john he is playing in the juniors .alex is staying with Kim Willis. Thanks for offering though .Alex is back with his mom now. If she let's him play he will play in the juniors that weekend and the the Majors that following week.

[Michael Holmes]

Awesome that Alex won the majors in three move. Next three move National he will play in the Masters. He is already playing in the Masters at state tounaments and he did very good in the IL. I think next year he should play in the National GAYP too but in what division?

[Alex_Moiseyev]

I think next year he should play in the National GAYP too but in what division?

If in the next 12 months he will be able to go through Kears Encyclopedia at least once ... even without much memorising but playing and observing the whole text - he can try Masters.

[Bill Salot]

I was as thrilled any checkerist to watch and read about the current success and future potrential of the 13-year-old star.

I think this chain of deserved accolades and enthusiastic advice aimed at maximizing his checker playing prowess should be accompanied by parallel comments aimed at maximizing his high school and advanced education experiences hopefully culminating in vocational skills or professional expertise that will be of broader benefit to himself, his family, and his community.

The long history of checkers includes many top-notch players who have climbed one ladder of success, but failed in the game of life. Many others have succeeded at both. The choice is usually made at an early age.

[Michael Holmes]

Dr. Tinsley comes to mind when you want to talk about checkers success and educational success. Alex and I have worked hard on his educational success. Fortunately for Alex he has enjoyed success in both areas. I personally have not achieved the checkers success that my son has achieved; however, I do have an MBA and I absolutely understand how important a college education will be for my son. I am working on two retirements right now and in 10 years I will work on my third retirement. I will make sure to teach my son the importance of investment, education, and excellent work ethics.

[MFulkerson]

If he wants to play in masters at nationals than I strongly suggest that he does so. I did when I was a teenager and managed some wins, and I'm sure he is more versed than I ever was.it was also a great experience, I would have preferred last place in masters (lucky to have avoided that though) over winning majors because I knew I challenged myself more.

[tommyc]

Well my opinion is the guys only 13..................his time will come ,meantime he must be protected and nourished no bad experiencesthat will implode on him ,so its really down to management of the situation thats very important. Just remember time is on his side.

PS........... Masters in State Tys ...yes!! No problem. Give the lad a chance to cut his teeth as they say.