So my kid has taught himself how to play chess. Truly, and honestly, he knows how to play chess. He picked up the game in grade 4. His teacher brought in a chess board and the kids would "play" during indoor recess or during free time etc. The teacher taught the students some basic moves but they, for the most part, made up their own game outside of these basic elements. Since then, R has moved schools and they have a chess club. Last year he was too late to join. However, this year he has not just joined but has qualified to enter the school competition. What? I mean...what?
I knew he liked the game but I didn't realize that he had been practicing on line and teaching himself by watching videos (thanks youtube). My husband told me this news yesterday. "You mean play, play?" I asked. "Not just made up play?" and he told me about the competition. I've tried SO many times to pick up chess and it literally makes my brain hurt. I can't remember the names of the pieces, which ones are stronger and in which direction each piece can move. As I said to my husband yesterday - I can barely keep up with checkers most days.
No, I don't REALLY think he's the next Bobby Fischer but it's kind of cool that a kid, who people had started to write off, taught himself, and remembered, some of the intricacies and strategies of a pretty complicated game with limited reading ability. Part of my "break" has been my intense anxiety about the future. My head know's he's going to be O.K. but my heart hasn't always been so sure. Now, without any doubt, I know.
