On Chess and Life

I love to play chess.  I learned to play when I was five.  I taught Jacob to play when he was five.  At nine, however, Jacob has flourished in ways I never even tried.  He is dedicated to the game. 

This year has been a "chess year" in many ways, and my reading list supports that.  I think often about the complexities of a chess board and how it relates to daily life.  We make choices, we do what we can with the future in mind, but, in the end, we test our predictions and preparations for that future when we let go of the piece and see what happens until we can, hopefully, again exert influence on the board. 

That's when life takes over, and anxiety rules the in-between.That is what makes Chess so thrilling to play.  "Will he see the trap?"  It's exhilarating.

I particularly enjoyed Bobby Fischer Goes to War, which chronicled the 1972 world championship match.  It was a great tale of skill and madness.  The book reached into the silliest parts of the human condition.  I did not realize that a movie was in the works when I read it, but the film was fantastic and Jacob enjoyed it as thoroughly as I did. 



I also loved The Immortal Game, which really got my attention by making many Benjamin Franklin references.  Good old Ben showed up many times, and his The Morals of Chess essay was reprinted in its entirety. 

I am currently reading Bobby Fischer's book My 60 Memorable Games, which is written entirely in notation. I have to read that one near a chess engine, but the games are just thrilling.  I have found the games to be illuminating and, believe it or not, beautiful.  As nutty as Fischer was, his chess mind was extraordinary.

Jacob has taken to chess with gusto.  He is on a mission to be the best player he can be.  Both of us were really thrilled to see a new Great Courses DVD about chess (featured below):



We are half-way through the series, and it has been illuminating and exciting to watch along with Jacob.  I just can't wait to try some of this stuff and take it for a spin.  Jacob, seeming to forget I watch with him, has been demanding games with me, only to try moves I just watched. 

I don't let him win.  It has given him focus, and he ritualistically dismantles any young player.  I saw him do it on "chess alley" at the local Gifted and Talented annual meeting.  He was coaching kids two-and-three years older than him on escape options as he closed the doors around the king.  He makes me work for it now, and he has improved dramatically.  I love watching him blossom. 

Chess is a game I want to play more often.  And, although I love Jacob's dedication, I have to keep reminding him not to get too picky about the particulars.  He now tells people that he wants to be good like Bobby Fischer, but not "you know, sort of crazy," like Fischer.  It's a good goal.