Chess WITH THE KNIGHT
FOR me, as a chess player of about 40 years, it would be reasonable to expect that I have learned everything that I am capable of learning about the game.
But I do not believe that is true. Is that realistic or delusional!?
At the very top level, players like Viktor Korchnoi, competed successfully with the world’s best when he was 80-plus years old. And there are plenty of others who can do the same. At a local level, most clubs have at least one player in their 70s or 80s who is still a very competent competitor.
Playing a serious chess game is the mental equivalent of doing the Great North Run. It can be hard work while you are doing it, but very satisfying. Also, the worst result possible is that you finish second! Not 14,298th! Chess has a proven record of aiding memory, developing and retaining skills like concentration, analysis, calculation and evaluation... the mental equivalents of good muscle tone, and a fit body. It’s never too late to learn how to play, or to refresh your previous knowledge if you have played in the past, or have not played for a few years.
For young people too, the game has much to offer. Learning to play well embeds the important mental attributes required to learn effectively, giving massive spin-off benefits to people seeking success at school and beyond. And it is not all hard work; chess is a good fun game, enjoyable to play and study, and very rewarding mentally and socially. Most chess players are very friendly, generous and gregarious people who get on well with each other, and enjoy conversation as well as the competition. Post-game analysis and sharing ideas and insights are the norm at the finish of a game. If you lose you will probably get a free lesson in some aspect of the game. So if you are someone who has never played or played a long time ago, you can be sure that you will be made very welcome at any of the clubs in the Northumbria League.
We are about halfway through the league season and all three divisions are still up for grabs. No team or club has established an unassailable lead and all is still to play for. In Division 1 Gosforth Empire and Morpeth A are currently equal first but Morpeth have played one game more. The match between these two strong teams may prove to be critical in deciding the ultimate winners. In the Second Division, Forest Hall Chieftains currently lead with Gosforth Regents second but the Regents have a game in hand. In the Third division Gosforth V lead followed by Leam Lane Bullets. It would be a remarkable success if the Gosforth club managed to win all three divisions.
This season there has been a very significant rise in the number of junior players taking part, which has increased tenfold in the last three years. This trend should continue, but the 7pm starts and 10pm finishes are a problem for the youngest children, especially midweek. It is a problem that is recognised and understood and solutions may be found.
Forest Hall Chess Club has a concert/dance on January 20 at Forest Hall Ex-Servicemen’s Club. Tickets are £5 from Mike Smith 0771 771 8761. Profits will go towards junior chess.