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Wheat Ridge Teen Checkmates National Competition

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Sep 19, 2008 6:59 am US/Mountain

Wheat Ridge Teen Checkmates National Competition

Written by Brooke Wagner

Reporting
Brooke Wagner

WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. (CBS4) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 2: Chess Champion Tyler Hughes gives CBS4 anchor Brooke Wagner a lesson.
CBS
Click to enlarge 2 of 2: Breakfast With Brooke is a weekly interview series with CBS4 Morning News anchor Brooke Wagner that airs on Friday mornings on CBS4. Read about or watch more reports in the Breakfast With Brooke section.

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Tyler Hughes was five years old when his dad taught him how to play chess. Twelve years later, the 17-year-old from Wheat Ridge is the top junior player in the country. CBS4's Brooke Wagner spoke with Hughes just after he returned from the world championship in Turkey.

"I didn't really think I could do it, so I was kind of in shock, I guess. I think playing in the Junior World Championship is something I'll tell my grandchildren about," Hughes said. "I lost one more game than I won, but considering the caliber of opposition, it felt pretty good."

When Hughes was in first grade, he decided he wanted to be home-schooled so he could pursue his passion.

"I realized, if I went to school and had homework every night, I wouldn't have time to study chess as much and that's what I really wanted to do," Hughes said.

These days, chess is part of this teenager's every-day life.

"When I'm out running or something, it's always nice to think about a chess problem to pass the time," he said.

Hughes gets most of his practice on the Internet, playing quick "blitz" games with opponents around the world and practicing with his coach, a Grand Master who lives in Siberia.

"At first, I was a very tactical player, but now I try to work on my opening preparation, so I go over common themes and strategies with my coach," Hughes said.

Hughes is, himself, considered a National Master. That means his United States Chess Association ranking is beyond 2,200. Before the national win, Hughes was best in the state and among the top five in the nation for several years. Still, Hughes' humility matches his first-class play.

"I don't have anything exceptional, I think I've just studied it and worked to get where I am," he said.

Where is he? Poised for several scholarships and a bright future playing college chess ... and beyond.

"It's a never-ending journey," Hughes said.

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