Finding a rook to her father's chess set started the obsession with the game for Tori Whatley, now 12.
The story has been told several times -- while playing in the attic with her sister Mandy, the 7-year-old found the rook and took an interest in learning the game from her dad. Tori's eyes still light up when she tells the story that has come to shape so much of her childhood.
Her father, David, played casually when he was in the Navy in the early 1980s. Within a year of teaching her the basics, he was surpassed by her skill. She now has passed most area competitors and seeks challengers statewide and nationwide.
This month, the preteen will head to Lubbock, Texas, for the Susan Polgar National Invitational for Girls. One girl from each state is chosen to participate in the event.
Tori earned her spot to Texas by placing as the top sixth-grade player at the South Carolina Scholastic Championship in March.
Though her skill has placed her among the best in the state, Tori always looks for ways to improve. She carries a chess set in the car just in case there's time to play a quick game; she keeps notes from every move to learn from her mistakes; and she takes weekly lessons to sharpen her skills.
"I learn more from my losses, so sometimes it's OK to lose," she said.
Benefits of the game include improving logic and critical thinking, and she has even noticed improvement in her grades at school after beginning chess.
"In third grade, I made B's and C's, by fourth grade I made all A's and have been on the honor roll ever since," she said.
The Merriwether Middle School pupil wants to reach a No. 1 world ranking eventually, but she still gets excited about tweaking her skill with her father.
The game has allowed them to form a bond that goes past when one of them says "checkmate."
Whatley travels with Tori to events and is OK with the pink that adorns her outfits, nails and jewelry. He even offered her tickets to a Jonas Brothers concert if she accomplishes her goals at nationals.
"It's a neat thing to do with the family, and it will transcend generations," Whatley said.
Reach Julia Sellers at julia.sellers@northaugustatoday.com.
