ISTEK Schools 7th Blue Castle Chess Tournament begins
Kadıköy, one of Istanbul’s most active chess hubs, has once again brought together young players for an important event. Hosted by the ISTEK Semiha Şakir Schools Göztepe Campus, the ISTEK Schools 7th Blue Castle Chess Tournament has started with the participation of 319 players. The tournament is being played in five separate categories: Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14, and Under 18. Bringing players from different age groups together under one roof gives the event not only a competitive edge, but also a strong environment for learning and sharing.
Over the course of the two-day competition, young chess players are taking their seats at the board in every round to climb the standings and gain practical playing experience. Youth tournaments in particular are among the most valuable platforms for testing opening preparation, developing middlegame planning skills, and applying endgame technique. In this respect, the Blue Castle Tournament is an important test not only for those aiming for top places, but also for players looking to improve in terms of tournament discipline, time management, and move quality.
The opening ceremony was attended by Turkish Chess Federation Vice President Seçkin Serpil, Istanbul Provincial Representative Hakan Polat, ISTEK Schools Regional Director Seçil Topçu, and ISTEK Schools Arts Coordinator Öcal Öcalan. In the remarks made at the opening, emphasis was placed on the importance of helping children and young people develop analytical thinking, patience, concentration, and decision-making skills through chess. Seçkin Serpil’s meeting with the players also gave the event added significance; for young competitors, such interactions are seen as valuable moments that strengthen the bond between the federation and the grassroots level.
In recent years, the increase in school-based tournaments has stood out as a noteworthy development in the spread of chess at the grassroots level in Turkey. This event hosted by ISTEK Schools both adds energy to Istanbul’s chess calendar and offers young players the chance to experience the atmosphere of an official tournament. With the first moves now played, the excitement is rising, and it will be followed with great interest which players can produce consistent performances in the coming rounds and move to the forefront of the battle for the podium. We wish all players competing in the tournament every success.