Keaton Kiewra, a 6th grade student from Lincoln, was co-champion in the 6th grade division of the "1998 National Scholastic K-12 Grade Championships" held December 4-6 in OakBrook, IL.

One hundred and eighty students competed for the sixth grade title, (1,460 players competed in the K-12 sections overall.) Keaton was seeded fifth and easily won his first two games Friday night and Saturday morning. Competition was stiffer in rounds three and four but Keaton won both games. Meanwhile, the four players rated above Keaton had either lost or drawn. On Board 1, Sunday, he won in round 5 and drew a seesaw battle in round 6.

Keaton, who has now placed in the top 5 at three national scholastic chess tournaments, is coached by Tom OıConnor.

The Gambit: At what age did you begin playing chess?

Keaton: When I was 7 years old and in second grade.

The Gambit: Were you pretty good starting out?

Keaton: I was pretty good. three months after I started playing chess I competed in the K-3 division of the State Scholastic and finished third. My first rating was about 890.

G: What grade are you in now and what is your current chess rating?

K: Iım 11 years old and in sixth grade at Humann Elementary School in Lincoln. My current rating is about 1740.

G: Your rating a year ago was about 1200. What have you done to improve so dramatically?

K: Iıve spent a lot of time playing and studying chess. I study chess with Tom OıConnor about 5-7 hours per week. Heıs a great teacher and friend. I also study chess books with my dad a few hours per week. And I do some group study with Tom OıConnor, Ben Fabrikant, John Cooper, and David Poland. I play a lot of chess, with my chess computer, in two different chess clubs, and with other chess friends. Of course, I also play in chess tournaments once or twice a month. I usually spend about 15 hours per week on chess.

G: Thatıs a lot of chess. Do you have other interests or hobbies?

K: I play soccer and baseball, enjoy cooking, and love following college football. I play a lot with my sister, Anna, and with my pets. I especially love rabbits.

G: Do you watch much television?

K: One hour per week is the most unless itıs college football season. then Iıll watch a lot more games.

G: What are your short-term and long-term goals?

K: During 1999, Iıd like to qualify for the 2000 State Closed Championships, boost my rating to 2000, win the State High School Championship, and win the National Elementary Chess Championships. For the long-term, my goal is to become a grandmaster and to be the United States Open Champion.

G: What suggestions do you have for others who hope to improve in chess?

K: First put a lot of time and effort into it. Second, study with very strong players. I, for example, go to the Brownell Talbot Chess Camp each summer and learn form great International, National, and local players. Third, play tough competition. Iıve played in Open tournaments for a couple of years. Fourth, study the games of the great masters. And Last, pick an opening system that fits your style and develop one or two pet (strong) lines. „