Looking back a couple years with fondest of memories, more than a few times we've reminded each other... "remember that first game of chess we played a few days after we first met?"

 

I remember being a little surprised(what was i thinking) that Joanna knew how to play chess. Yes... ok, I know what you want to ask... "did you let her win?"

"Somehow" she learned I liked chess and had small chess set with me. So of course she begged to play a game!

(It reminds of our first long distance date... she knew about my passion for aviation, so what does she have booked when I arrived? Tickets to Kalamazoo Air Museum of course.)

I fetched the chess set from my room and we went of to the corner of this game room and sat on the floor. I have no idea why. But that's what you do. As we set up the pieces, I wondered how good she was at chess. That question she asked about the knights and bishops on the right starting squares could be a bluff right?

What I remember best is that we talked a lot over this game of chess. She asked me questions about her moves and I played casually. She asked for some tips. Even though we didn't finish the game, we totally enjoyed chatting and getting to know each other. Neither of us we're really out to win - in this setting :)

For so many that's what the game of chess offers. We explored and learned together. And it's amazing how much you can read and learn about someone by playing chess.

Now at home together she's totally thrilled about various electronic chess computers I bring home for her to try. I started with the simpler ones - and moved up to an autosensory wood chess computer. Now she's spoiled and doesn't like the simpler cheap ones any more. So we keep this one at home. And we both like playing it.

Life is not about chess. But chess is about life.

Let me tell you about a customer named Anthony who shared some interesting insights with his story.

"Chess to me is not really a game, it's an experience.

When I engage someone in a chess game , I feel a mental connection with my opponent , i.e. aggressive, defensive, if they are cautious, how far they may think ahead, what pieces are their favorites, do they back up their men, make the most of every piece care about their pawns, do they have a backup assault plan, etc. I can pretty much feel or see their mindset, and the person I am playing usually lives life the way he or she plays chess. I am saying that the better people play, the better people are in adapting mentally to struggles in life (according to their experience and age of course). For instance someone who will surrender a game instead of looking for a stalemate, will probably do the same in a life situation such as arguing their rights or case (like asking the auto mechanic why it cost more then the original quote). I really think chess can be a great psychological tool. Chess exercises patience, tenacity, boldness, and a lot more. No two games are ever the same. Just one note I would like to make about the way people play chess, people always have their good days and bad days and it shows up in a few rounds of chess. and sometimes they just make a mistake but then again isn't making a mistake like not paying attention? or maybe outwitted. Definitely people who play need a chess clock so the opponent doesn't have any advantage like more time or just trying to make you lose interest by taking forever to move. Well that's about all I have to say for now because you know thousands of books have been written just entirely devoted to chess."

Jo and I like chess and she's now getting some tools and dvds from ChessHouse to learn more :) Chess is a way for us to meet people and make a difference.

-Raphael