Every school holidays · Hobart and Launceston

Holiday Programs

Play, learn and compete. Full days of coaching, team chess and rated tournaments, for every age and level, 9:30am to 3:30pm.

The three days

Each program is built from three kinds of day. Come to one, or do all three in order: learn on the coaching day, practise as a team, then test yourself in a rated tournament. In Launceston, the program runs as a Coaching Day followed by a Tournament Day.

DAY TYPE 1 Coaching + Fun Day Learn something new, then put it straight into play

The perfect first day, whatever your child's level. Lessons are pitched at each player's level, so beginners and confident players both get something new.

  • Lessons with Black Square coaches, from the basics through to tactics, openings and endgames
  • Puzzles and practice positions to lock in what was taught
  • Plenty of relaxed games against kids at a similar level, with coaches on hand to help
  • Fun chess games and challenges to keep energy high across the day

Great for: new players, anyone getting ready for their first tournament, and players who want to fix the gaps in their game.

DAY TYPE 2 Team Tournament Day Play for your team, not just yourself

Players are placed in teams and play a full tournament of individual games, with every result adding to the team's total. It's a friendly, social way to compete, and a big hit with kids who are newer to tournaments.

  • Every player plays their own games, and every win, draw or loss counts towards the team score
  • Kids cheer each other on, talk through their games between rounds and learn from their teammates
  • Takes the pressure off playing alone, so it's a gentle first taste of tournament chess
  • Team and individual prizes at the end of the day

Great for: building confidence, making friends from other schools, and practising good tournament habits and sportsmanship.

DAY TYPE 3 ACF Rated Tournament Day Real tournament chess that counts

A full day of individual tournament games played under proper tournament conditions, with chess clocks and an arbiter. Results are submitted to the Australian Chess Federation, so every game counts toward your child's official ACF rating.

  • Individual games against players of a similar strength, paired round by round
  • Played with chess clocks and tournament rules, just like the state championships
  • Results go to the ACF, so new players can earn their first rating and rated players can raise theirs
  • Prizes for top finishers across the day

Great for: players who know the rules well and want to test themselves, earn a rating, and prepare for tournaments like the Tasmanian Junior Championships.

Why holiday programs?

Keeps the learning going Skills built in weekly school classes can fade over a long break. A few days of chess keeps them sharp, so kids start the new term ahead.
A full day of coaching Hours of time with experienced Black Square coaches, far more than a weekly lunchtime class can offer.
A friendly first tournament Team days and coaching days are a relaxed way to try competition before stepping up to rated events.
New friends from other schools Kids from across the region meet, play and team up with others who love the game as much as they do.
Screen-free, brain-busy days Focus, patience, planning and problem-solving, all while having fun away from screens.
Flexible for families Book one day, a few days or the whole program. Every day runs 9:30am–3:30pm.

Times and booking

Start9:30am
Finish3:30pm

Book one day, a few days or the whole program. When booking, tick the days your child will attend and set the quantity to the number of days.

What to bring

  • Lunch and plenty of snacks
  • A water bottle
  • Any medical or dietary information, entered when you book
  • A positive attitude and a love of the game

Spring 2026 program · complete

This is how a typical program runs. Summer dates will be posted here as soon as they're set.

Hobart · New Town Primary

Wed 7 OctCoaching + Fun Day
Thu 8 OctTeam Tournament
Fri 9 OctACF Rated Tournament
Wed 14 OctCoaching + Fun Day
Thu 15 OctTeam Tournament
Fri 16 OctACF Rated Tournament

Launceston · East Launceston Primary

Thu 15 OctCoaching Day
Fri 16 OctTournament Day