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Summer Chess Camp Information

Panda Chess Academy Summer Camps 2025

 

đź“… What is it?

16th Annual Panda Chess Academy Summer Camps — A fun and educational experience for young chess enthusiasts of all levels!

đź“Ť Where is it?

Panda Chess Academy
9900 Westpark #252, Houston, TX 77063

đź‘Ą Who's in charge?

National Master Jeffrey Ashton
Head Instructor, Organizer, and Owner of Panda Chess Academy

🗓️ When is it?

  • July 7-11: Intermediate - Advanced
  • July 14-18: Intermediate - Advanced
  • July 21-25: Beginner - Advanced
  • July 28 - August 1: Beginner - Advanced

⏰ What times?

  • Full Day: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Morning Session: 9:00 AM - 11:45 AM
  • Drop-off: 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
  • Early/Late Care: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (+$20/day)

đź“ž How do I contact them?

🎒 What's included?

  • All chess equipment
  • Snacks and water
  • Worksheets and folders
  • Notes from lectures

🍱 What should I bring?

  • Full-day campers: A nut-free lunch

đź’˛ How much does it cost?

  • Morning Session: $245
  • Full Day: $395

đź’¸ Are there discounts?

Yes! Discounts are available:

  • Returning campers: $50 off
  • First-time campers: Full price for the first camp, then $50 off additional camps
  • Siblings: $50 off the total price (eligible for returning camper discounts in the future)
    Only one discount can be applied per camp. Payments accepted via Zelle, PayPal, or Venmo.

đź“ť How do I sign up?

ℹ️ Anything else I should know?

  • National Master Jeffrey Ashton has led Panda Chess Academy for 17 years.
  • This is our 16th year hosting summer camps!
  • Panda Chess Academy is a real chess school and tournament site for kids.
  • Our core values: Focus, Safety, and Sportsmanship.
  • For more details, visit camps.chesspanda.com.

 

Chess Camp Topics

Chess Camp Topics

Chess Tactics

  • Individual and team-based puzzle-solving (teamwork makes the dream work!).
  • Individual worksheets for repetition-based mastery—repetition is the mother of learning!
  • Most worksheets contain puzzles curated by Jeffrey Ashton, designed to help students excel in UIL chess puzzle-solving competitions.
  • ChessBase for Coaches: Creating a worksheet by National Master (NM) Jeffrey Ashton.
  • Become a Chess Puzzle Guru by Woman International Master (WIM) Dr. Alexey Root.

Performing Under Pressure ("Being Clutch")

  • Staying calm and focused, even when the game takes an unexpected turn.
  • Learning from examples of master-level players who regain control after surprises rather than spiraling.

Opening Repertoires

  • Building and refining a structured opening repertoire.
  • Every student should develop at least one opening for White and two for Black.
  • Identifying gaps in knowledge, fixing weaknesses, and improving one move at a time.

Evaluating a Chess Position

  • Answering the critical question: Who stands better, and why?
  • Assessing king safety, material balance, pawn structure, and piece activity.
  • Differentiating between static (slow, strategic) and dynamic (fast, complicated) positions.
  • Developing disciplined thinking to avoid rushed decisions and blunders.

Spotting Tactics in Real Games

  • Recognizing targets: loose pieces, exposed kings, and tactical opportunities.
  • Bridging the gap between solving puzzles on a computer and spotting winning moves in real games.

Prophylactic Thinking

  • Anticipating your opponent’s plans before they execute them.
  • Knowing when to prevent a threat versus when to allow it for a greater advantage.

Formulating Plans & Strategies

  • Answering key strategic questions:
    • What are some possible plans?
    • What is my best plan?
    • What are my opponent’s best plans?
    • If I were my opponent, what would I plan?
    • Should I prevent my opponent’s plan or allow it?
  • Understanding that for a chess student, even a bad plan is better than no plan—mistakes fuel improvement!
  • Encouraging good planning habits through practice games.

Candidate Moves

  • Developing the habit of identifying multiple good moves before making a decision.
  • Encouraging students to recognize Critical Positions—moments that decide the outcome of a game—and focus on these key moments.
  • Comparing chess decision-making to choosing an ice cream flavor—consider all options before picking the best one!

Recognizing Critical Positions

  • Knowing when a single move can determine a win, loss, or draw.
  • Breaking the habit of impulsive decision-making.
  • Using time, energy, and patience effectively in high-stakes moments.

Chess Clock & Time Management

  • Play slower, think deeper, and control the tempo—don’t match your opponent’s speed. Set the tone!
  • Recognizing and rewarding players who manage their time effectively.
  • Encouraging students to use 90% of their clock time to maximize thoughtful play.

Endgames

  • Studying positions with both few and many remaining pieces.
  • Solving informal endgame problems through engaging lectures.

Game Analysis & Feedback

  • Understanding that winning with mistakes can reinforce bad habits.
  • Analyzing both wins and losses using:
    1. Natural chess thinking.
    2. Master-level insight.
    3. Computer engine evaluations (AI).
  • Learning how to use opening databases to refine preparation, move by move.

Using Chess Software

  • Leveraging free, accessible technology for self-study.
  • Memorizing openings and analyzing games instead of passively watching chess content online.

Opening Theory

  • Learning key opening principles and their transitions into the middlegame and endgame.
  • Encouraging students to ask strong players the crucial question:
    "What do you play against ____?"

Consistency in Performance

  • Playing your best regardless of your opponent’s strength.
  • Avoiding mental traps like:
    • "I always lose to stronger players."
    • "I should play extra aggressively against weaker opponents."
  • Encouraging positive thinking—or at the very least, cautious optimism—over pessimism when facing stronger players.

How to Practice Effectively

  • Treating practice games like real games—no casual mindset!
  • Applying the mindset:
    • “Prior planning prevents poor performance.”
    • “Everyone has the will to win, but very few have the will to prepare to win.”
    • “Practice doesn’t necessarily make you perfect, but perfect practice makes you pretty good!”