Lincoln's rating climbs a little with every match he plays. A year ago he didn't know a single chess opening. His goal is 2000, and he's chasing it one game at a time.

We're doing what we can to support him, coaching, entries, the occasional trip out of town. But we know he could get there faster with help from people who believe in giving young players real chances to compete. A local tournament runs about $40. A coaching session is $100. A trip to nationals, airfare and hotel included, runs $800 or more. Every bit of support means more of those chances, sooner.

Even $5 helps. It all goes straight toward coaching, entries, and travel.

If you believe in supporting youth chess, this is one way to do it, and as a family, we genuinely appreciate it.

We're not a nonprofit, just his family asking directly. Donations aren't tax-deductible, but every dollar goes toward coaching, entries, and travel, nothing else.