SAN BENITO  - Hundreds of students from across the valley are competing in one of the largest tournaments in

the Valley. About 99 schools have gathered at a Veteran's Memorial Academy in San Benito to compete in the
annual region eightchess tournament this weekend. Kids of all ages were there from Kindergarten to High School.

More than 1,400 students will compete for a shot at state next month. The host of this competition says Chess is important because it instills learning methods early on.