YOUNG chess players at King Edward’s Witley are being encouraged to enter more tournaments to test their new found skills, following coaching by a champion.

Currently ranked in the top 10 in England, former World U18 champion, grandmaster Nick Pert, currently visits King Edward’s once a week to teach tactics to members of the school chess club, thanks to the generous funding of current parents Mr and Mrs Chylikin.

Mr Pert, who achieved his grandmaster title when he was just 22 years old, said: “The best way for beginners to improve their chess game is through putting in the time.

“Tournaments are also vital to securing a competitive edge because you play so many games back-to-back against different players.

“That’s why I always encourage young players starting out to attend tournaments.

“It is also important to analyse your game after playing to improve strategy.”

The chess team has already participated in a major tournament at Berkshire’s Wellington College, where members were awarded prizes.

Maths teacher Stuart Todd, who organised the specialist coaching, said: “These sessions complement our existing extra-curricular chess club, which has been running for three years, taking the game to a whole new level.

“This is a first for the school and we are very excited to learn from such a prestigious and high-ranking chess coach as Nick Pert.”