Chess Holiday Camp 2026 | Week 1
Four mornings of lessons, puzzles and guided games to help students spot threats and think through their moves.
Head coaches
Tin Jingyao | Grandmaster
Eight-time national chess champion. Singapore’s highest-rated active chess player (FIDE standard ratings, November 2026).
Olimpiu Urcan | FIDE Candidate Master
Chess historian and author with more than two decades of experience in education and scholastic chess in Singapore.
Our head coaches, GM Tin Jingyao and CM Olimpiu Urcan, oversee the programme and may personally teach selected classes. Other qualified coaches also conduct classes, with one coach for every 16 students.
Training dates and venue
30 November–3 December 2026 (Monday–Thursday), 9:00 AM–1:00 PM daily (Singapore time).
Mind Stretcher Tampines
Tampines Junction, 300 Tampines Avenue 5 #09-03 Singapore 529653
View on Google Maps
One ticket covers four mornings of training: 16 hours in total. Sessions finish at 1:00 PM each day.
Choose the Right Camp
Choose by your current chess experience and ability, rather than age. The placement check is optional.
Beginner
New to chess or just starting out.
What you’ll learn
Complete a legal game independently
Spot common tactics and avoid simple mistakes
Use opening principles and essential checkmates
Prepare for a first tournament with confidence
Intermediate
Plays independently and recognises forks, pins and skewers.
What you’ll learn
Identify threats and find forcing moves
Calculate short variations and compare positions
Recognise tactical and checkmating patterns
Play pawn endings and queen or rook checkmates
Advanced
Active online or over-the-board players ready for deeper training.
What you’ll learn
Choose candidate moves and calculate systematically
Apply pawn, rook and other endgame techniques
Analyse games and learn from mistakes
Use a disciplined thinking process in competition
Classes have up to 16 students. The teacher-to-student ratio is 1:16.
Complimentary tournament
Tournament participation is optional and complimentary for camp students. Camp fees remain unchanged if your child does not attend the tournament. Join the chess tournament on Friday, 11 December 2026, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM at Bishan Community Club, 51 Bishan Street 13, Singapore 579799. Lunch and a certificate of participation are included. You do not need to purchase a separate tournament ticket.
Parents are welcome to watch the tournament and support their children.
Tournament prizes
Top 10 trophies in the Beginner Championship
Top 10 trophies in the Open Championship
An additional top 5 trophies for Intermediate players in the Open Championship
All camp and tournament participants receive certificates of participation.
Special Winners’ Mentoring Prize
The Beginner Champion, Open Champion and highest-placed Intermediate player each receive a one-to-one tournament review and personalised guidance from GM Tin Jingyao.
Fees
Early bird: S$520 per participant, through 15 November 2026. Regular: S$550, from 16 November. All fees include GST.
Chess equipment is provided. Bring a water bottle, light snacks, jacket and stationery. Short breaks will be given during the course. Meals are not provided on training days. All camp participants receive certificates of participation.
Registration
Register using the parent or guardian’s name and email address, then enter the participant’s details below. Each registration covers one participant.
Choose the ticket for your preferred chess group. If you are unsure, you can take the optional placement test before booking. You can also register without taking the test. Participants without online accounts or ratings can join.
Please enter any dietary requirements for the tournament lunch, or “None”. For sibling bookings or questions, WhatsApp Mind Stretcher at +65 8883 8004.
For online ratings, enter the highest rating you currently hold across platforms, together with the platform. Leave rating fields blank if unrated.
Please tell us during registration whether the participant will attend the tournament on 11 December. Tournament participation is optional and complimentary for camp students. Your Yes/No response helps us plan participant numbers. Camp fees remain unchanged if your child does not attend the tournament. No separate RSVP or tournament ticket is needed. If your plans change, WhatsApp Mind Stretcher at +65 8883 8004.