There is a new chess coach in Beaverton and she’s only 17! Introducint Khyati Ruparel

Khyati Ruparel, 17-year-old junior ar Sunset High, is a new chess coach at Finley School. After playing and studying chess for over 10 years with coach Larry. Khyati had won many tournaments and had plans for continuing to build her chess rating, but COVID hit, and her plans changed. High school activities like Mock Trial and Deca Club (a business club) took more of her time, and chess mastery became less of a priority. But Khyati didn’t want to give up all the time and hard work she’d put into chess completely, just find another way to use it. When she remembered how, at tournaments, the players were mostly boys, with very few girls, she decided to become a chess coach for girls.

Khyati now works with 20 girl students at Finley Elementary, teaching them the basics of the game and, ultimately, getting them ready to play in tournaments. The girls are playing at varied levels of experience and Khyati is able to help them each at levels they will understand. They all look forward to Mondays after school for chess lessons, gathering eagerly around her and absorbing her every word. This is the kind of personal instruction and support that students need, and Khyati knows it will help to build the girls’ confidence. And confidence is what will keep them playing chess competitively and for the rest of their lives.

I’m proud of all my students, but I’m especially gratified when longtime students like Khyati decide to spread their chess knowledge to others. But wait … am I teaching chess students or training new chess TEACHERS?!

Why learn chess? Simple: It’s a great mental workout that helps children perform well in the classroom. Chess is a logical game where kids have to plan ahead and adjust to new situations. But most of all, it’s fun!

Larry Ball (Coach Larry) teaches students of all ages at the Steinitz Chess Academy in Beaverton. For more information, email Larry at larryball48@yahoo.com.