Cavanaugh Elementary fourth-grader and Lansing resident Tressa Bashore said she sometimes feels nervous before chess matches.

“My palms get sweaty and my head hurts,” Bashore said. “I think of what my dad says, ‘Everything will be okay — try your best and have fun.’”

Bashore is one of more than 550 students who crammed into the Union for the tournament organized by the Michigan Chess Association. The MSU Math Department co-sponsored the event by organizing the location details.

The tournament was run “Swiss Style,” with individual students paired up with other students of similar skill level. Each individual played for a team. Some had private coaches while others came with their school chess teams, said Jennifer Skidmore, vice president and scholastic coordinator for the Michigan Chess Association.

“Chess teaches a variety of skills, including critical thinking, thinking ahead and being patient,” Skidmore said.

Skidmore said 55 school districts from across Michigan brought 129 teams to the tournament.

Lingzhi Chen, an MSU graduate student in the teaching program, said her children, 12-year-old Justin and 9-year-old Joy, are passionate about chess.

“They started in a morning chess club,” Chen said. “They couldn’t wait to begin. They had played chess at home with their dad and wanted to start as early as they could. Joy walked into the club when she was 6 years old.”

Both of Chen’s children played “first board” at the tournament — an indication of their high ability level.

“The kids are crazy about chess — addicted to it,” Chen said with a laugh. “Chess teaches them to be patient, to think about things in the long term.”

Family and teammates provided support for each other throughout the most stressful moments of the tournament.

“I’m in charge of encouraging my teammates,” said third-grader and Cavanaugh Cougars Chess Club Captain Malachi Keener. “I tell them ‘good job’ and high-five them. It’s always important to be a good sport whether you’re winning or losing.”