A Note From Your Head Coach

How I will work during the championships

Dear Parents and Players,

Now that we have arrived and checked in, I want to set out clearly how I will work during the championships and how every player and parent can make use of me.

The Reality

We are 54 players across 12 age sections. Because of time, there will be limitations on how much I can do for each individual player. The structure below is what I can offer fairly to everyone.

The Numbers

• 9 classical rounds, including 3 double-round days
• 54 games to monitor and report on each round
• Individual pre-round prep at 30 minutes per player would be 27 hours per round

How I Will Work

1. WhatsApp Group — All Briefings and Reports Here

All daily briefings, round reports, rules guidance, and announcements will be sent to the delegation WhatsApp Broadcast. This is the primary channel and the official record. Please read every post the day it lands and treat it as required for your child.

2. Drop-In Spot — Down the Hall, Near Hotel Reception

I will settle at a designated spot down the hall, near hotel reception, from the moment each round starts and remain there. Players: come and find me after your game to:

• Show me your game and ask a question.
• Analyse a position you are unsure about.
• Get a second opinion on an opening idea.

First-come, first-served. I will help anyone who comes.

3. Share Your Games on Lichess — For Deeper Feedback

If you input your game on Lichess (a free study at lichess.org/study) and share the link with me on WhatsApp, I can review it in my own time and give you more in-depth feedback than I can in a quick drop-in session. This is the best way to get detailed analysis from me. Older players especially — use this.

4. Advise as Needed — I Will Reach Out

If I see something during the tournament that concerns me — a player slipping mentally, a pattern in losses, or a welfare issue — I will contact you or your child directly. You do not need to ask for this.

5. For Parents — Same Spot, Once the Round Starts

I am not on the floor during rounds. Once your child has walked into the playing hall and the round has started, come and find me at the same drop-in spot. I will be there for the duration of the round. Use that window for anything you need to raise with me face-to-face.

If Your Child Does Not Have a Home Coach

Please don't hesitate to come and ask. Come to the drop-in spot after any round, or send your games on Lichess. You are not imposing — this is exactly who I am here for.

What Your Home Coach Handles

Pre-round preparation is best handled by your home coach if your child has one. Entebbe is UTC+3, only one hour ahead of South Africa — there is no real time-zone barrier. Please make sure they:

• Are reachable during tournament hours.
• Receive your child's pairing as soon as it is published the evening before each round.
• Have time arranged for a video or voice call where possible.

Limitations

Just so we are clear up front, because of time I will not always be able to:

• ✗ Provide individual pre-round opening preparation for each player.
• ✗ Sit one-on-one between rounds for private practice sessions.
• ✗ Respond to messages during rounds. Please save non-urgent messages for between rounds.

In Summary

For information	→ WhatsApp Broadcast (read daily).
For quick analysis	→ Drop-in spot after each round, first-come, first-served.
For deeper analysis	→ Share your game on Lichess and send me the link.
For a face-to-face (parents)	→ My drop-in spot, once the round has started.
For preparation	→ Your home coach.
For emergencies	→ Me, any time.