Chess v Tomb Raider

by H.T.Dearden

It must be acknowledged that our game is under particular pressure with ever more (but not necessarily better) television and a plethora of software games for dedicated consoles and the PC. The vulgar attractions of these developments are not to be denied, and we would do well to consider our counter attack.

The following brief article is not so much for CHESS readers as for any of their acquaintances that they may wish to introduce to the game. Readers are encouraged to reproduce the article and distribute it by all practicable means to the wider public, with local club contact details appended. A poster in the local library may be useful. (CHESS readers might find that the points raised may be usefully deployed in argument in the pub?)

I could just as well have written an article on 'Why You Should Not Play Chess'; the frustrations, the heartache, the vale of tears, the lack of a pair of automatic pistols strapped to the thighs of a nubile young aristocrat. But that would do little for our cause.

Why Play Chess?

There is an Indian saying; 'Chess is a sea in which a gnat may drink or an elephant may bathe' which encapsulates one of the particular attractions of the game: It can be played at all levels. It takes less than an hour to learn how to play, but a lifetime to master. It is effectively inexhaustible.

It is an international game that transcends differences of language or culture. It may be played essentially anytime and anywhere. It has a system of notation that means you can replay your own games or those of the masters from the past.

You can play your friends or your computer, or play people across the world by the internet, email, telephone or post. Whatever your level of experience there will be others you can match your skill against.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be highly intelligent or good at maths if you are to play well. Although there are endless arguments about whether it is more science or art, it is perhaps best to think of it in terms of language. You start with the alphabet, then simple words and sentences and eventually you can discuss ideas and develop abstract themes. Games at the highest level are like sophisticated debates.

The game offers the excitement of battle without bloodshed. It offers drama and wit, and a simple classical beauty. It teaches discipline. It will test your courage and endurance. It has history. It has class. Every detail of the battle lies before you. There is no place to hide, no one else to blame, no fall of the dice to curse. It is down to you: Your strategy, your tactics, your vision. Can you handle defeat as well as victory? Are you man (woman/boy/girl) enough?

Many console or PC games may be attractive, but their beauty is often only skin deep. Strip away the graphics and the game play may well offer limited scope. They often become stale or played out. A gnat may well drink, but an elephant is unlikely to bathe. Chess is an accomplishment that will last a lifetime.

If you would like to learn more, there are hundreds of books and software titles for beginners. Perhaps you played when you were younger and would like to renew your acquaintance with the game. Your local club will provide the opportunity to find new friends and expand your experience.

Visit our website: chess.co.uk or our shop in Central London:

Chess fit Bridge Ltd, 369 Euston Road, London NW1 3AR Tel: 0207 388 2404 - Fax: 0207 388 2407 - e-mail: info@chess.co.uk

32 CHESS April 2004