Chess

In the last two or three years I've had quite an interest in chess. I've always known how to play, but it wasn;t until about two years ago I really started to play with an interest.

My niece was chess champion in her age group of her school and town, (yes a girl chess champion!) at the age of 12. This got me interested in chess. We would play together, and initially she would always beat me. Then as my interest grew I started to find out more about openings, middle and end games, and read a couple of basic books on the subject.

Now I mostly play online, just for fun. I find it wakes up your brain in the morning. With a cup of tea and my laptop, I puzzle over some positions and then start the day. I recommend chess to anyone who likes games and strategy. It can also be useful for memory retention and clear headedness.
And winning always feels nice!

 

You'll find that if you invest some time in it, you will start to understand basic principles of creating space and attack/defense. It's really a skill like any other, the more you practice and use the skill, the greater your understanding. There are many good beginners books that have great introductions to chess if you're interested.

 

I have always played chess, both because it is fun, and because it does a lot of good things for your mental health. Ever since my aunt and grandfather had dementia, I promised myself I wouldn't become like them, and I read that chess prevents dementia, so I started playing it. I think it's a great game with a lot of strategic thinking.

 

Although I do know how to play chess, I'm not very good. You really have to think ahead and I guess I'm not good at that because I've never won a game and quite frequently was beat in very few moves. I guess checkers are more my style..lol

 

You should definitely take your time and learn to play it properly. It's a fantastic game which trains your brain.

 

I'm not sure I could learn it properly at this stage of my life, John ...LOL And besides, I don't have anyone to teach me. All the chess players I have known in the past aren't around anymore, so as I said earlier, I think I better stick with checkers!!

 

I have been playing Chess for years but I always find it difficult to find a closely matched opponent. My older brother taught me the game when he and Bobby Fisher used to play together in New York. Way back then, Fisher was just another city park player.

 

It's never too late! There's this site: http://www.chess.com/ which is pretty good from what I have seen. I won't insist any more, but if you ever get bored and have nothing to do, give that site a shot!

 

You are right, John, its never too late. Its funny, as I get older I use that expression quite a bit but didn't for chess. Maybe your insistence will give me the push I need. Thanks for the site. I will check it out and who knows, I may get to the point where I can have an educated discussion with you about Chess

 

If there is one who enjoyed playing chess the most in our family circle, it is my brother, our youngest. He used to play chess at our city plaza during our town fiesta and would bring home championship trophy. Now, since his stroke last year, he was partly paralyzed but still plays chess online.

 

My 18 year old son has recently discovered this site, and he has already improved his game tremendously. I started playing with him years ago, and I always beat him. Now it's about 50-50. The more he learns, the more of a formidable opponent he becomes! I'm getting afraid to play with him anymore. LOL

 

I tried to get into Chess when I was younger but I was never much good. I might try that website. I have some chess pros I'd love to surprise.

 

My son was on there last night. They pair up contestants from all over the world, depending on their skill level. My son's opponent was from Syria, and the first thing he did was ask my son if he wanted a better life with IS!!!
He went on to ask him if he was fat like all Americans, and then, of course, he had some choice words for Israel. My son threw a few barbs of his own and left the match.

 

Totally amazing and sad. The internet is a great thing but not matter where we go, there will always be a bad element trying to get in. I would love to play Chess with your son if he finds a site that can do it. And I promise I won't try to make him a Buddhist! LOL