02/11/2026
Lincoln Samples: Player of the Week from Region 7!
Lincoln Samples shines as a radiant inspiration in the chess world, sparking awe and admiration across generations with his phenomenal growth and unwavering dedication. As a role model, he embodies resilience and excellence, motivating his four younger brothers to pursue their chess passions with so much success and inspiring his youngest sibling to explore the game.
https://ratings.uschess.org/player/16680384
Q&A with Lincoln:
1. Your Name and City
Lincoln Samples - Rockport, TX
2. Tell us your grade and the school or program you represent
Homeschool, 8th Grade
3. How did you first get into chess?
My dad taught me how to play when I was six years old. Then I learned about tournaments, so I played my first one when I was seven. It was super fun, and I didn't win all my games, but losing makes me want to win more. So I got better at chess!
4. What do you enjoy most about chess?
Sacrificing pieces is very exciting. I like coming up with new ideas in opening lines, even if the computer doesn't agree with them. Playing at the local club (Third Coast Chess Club) is fun. I also like the tournaments held in Corpus. Talking to the players is interesting, just to see how they play and think about chess is fun. It adds a new element when you get to talk to the other players OTB, rather than just playing online.
5. What is your proudest chess moment so far?
I'm proud of my performance against strong players at the San Antonio City Championship in 2025. I liked the competition; it was a fun event. I just felt like my games were played better there than at many other previous tournaments.
6. What part of your chess game are you working on right now?
Hard question to answer, I'm working on pretty much all of the above simultaneously. I don't like endgames very much because I find them boring and because there aren't very many pieces on the board.
7. Do you have a favorite chess piece or tactic?
I like anything that involves a queen sacrifice. I don't really know why, but it's fun to see the expression on your opponent's face when you do it.
8. Who inspires you in chess?
When I watch Levy Rozman, I end up sacrificing my rook more often.
9. What goals do you have for this season?
Hope to become a candidate master, and eventually even better than that, but one step at a time.
10. What advice would you give newer players just starting out?
Play lots of different openings and get a feel for different positions. It encourages your mind to think differently because if you only play one opening, you only expose yourself to one type of position. Positions that you're not used to will come up in your games, even if you play the same openings. It's nice to know how to play positions that you're not used to. A good way to do that is by gaining exposure to a wide variety.
11. How do you contribute to the chess community or see yourself contributing in the future?
I teach lots of people how to play chess. My brothers, people who come to the chess club, friends, etc.
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TCA is accepting nominations for player of the week. Please fill out the Google form if you have a Texas player you would like to nominate.
https://forms.gle/8YK5JEKdCMpVp4TNA
