Leah Cai

How We Met

I was just certified as a National Instructor and It was my first day teaching at a summer chess camp in Midtown Manhattan. Looking back, I don’t remember my first day except for names and faces here and there. But a memory that stuck with me was a student who showed lots of potential.

Her name was Leah. She was 6 years old. She was one of the two girls in the class in a sea of boys, but she sat in the front trying to get the best spot possible.

She could see tactics quickly, allowing her to solve the classroom exercises with ease. She was completely focused when she sat at a chess board, which is usually a hallmark of great players.

In between classes, I hanged out with the kids and I played casual games with them. I can’t remember how Leah and I started to build a strong coach and student relationship, I’m not sure if we started talking since we were both female players. But over the course of 6 weeks we would spend almost 180 hours together.

Becoming Training Buddies

Overtime I realized Leah’s tactical vision was no mistake. She was doing over 200 puzzles a week and even working on chess at home after being at camp all day.

One time we made a study goal. For every hour of chess we’d complete after camp, we’d give each other one sticker the next day.

Me: I did 2 hours of chess after camp!

Leah: 2 hours of chess?? That is not enough! You need to do more.

Me: :O

Leah: Ok here are your two stickers.

Halfway through the summer camp I left for 2 weeks to play at my 6th International Chess Olympiad in India. I ended up scoring my personal best at the tournament.

Leah’s USCF rating also grew. She went from 466 USCF to 720 USCF rating during camp, propelling her into the top 100 in her age group.

One of Leah’s rated games at camp, where she found an impressive tactic
(August 26, 2022)

After Camp

I did not see Leah as consistently after that summer, except at tournaments here and there. Whenever she saw me she would always get really excited, which I appreciated. After camp, she was mainly taught through her afterschool program. One day in February I was sent a text by her mom:

Leah has worked very hard and has showed a lot of diligence for her age. She goes to tournaments almost every weekend and just recently sent me an email of her annotated games. Her work ethic inspires me to become a better player.

She just came 11th place in the K-3 Championship at Girl’s States. She is now 1123 USCF rating and I am very proud!

Go Leah!

Leah's journey embodies the transformative power of passion and hard work, a testament to the remarkable potential within each of us.