Chess skills are found on the pitch too
I WENT to Headingly recently to watch the one-day Test match between England and South Africa.
It was a great match on a lovely sunny day. Near me there were two men, also watching the game, but between deliveries they were playing chess on a very attractive portable set.
It was also a great game. My mind was caught between the two activities. Some people see cricket as a very slow game. Not true. If you had been an English batsman facing Rabada, the young fast bowler who consistently propelled 90mph-plus deliveries, you would see it very differently. To prosper you need fast reflexes and quick thinking and, especially, anticipation. The ability to visualise the expected trajectory gives that extra fractions of a second to get in the right position to play a good shot.
There is a parallel in chess. The ability to anticipate opponents’ moves enables more focused planning. This skill, allied to good forward thinking and stamina, are attributes shared by players of both games. England cricketers who play chess well include Joe Root, Bob Willis and Freddie Flintoff. England’s best chess player, Michael Adams, is also a good cricketer. Hamish Amla, who topscored for South Africa in the match at Headingly, is also a good chess player.
Talking to local junior chess players, I was impressed by the range of other interests they had. Many were proficient in a sport, or good musicians or involved in school drama productions. They also liked walking, dancing and swimming, among other activities. I am convinced that playing chess is very good for encouraging lively and active minds...as well as good fun and an enjoyable pastime. Playing cricket contributes to developing and retaining physical fitness; chess does the same for mental fitness.