| Chess has a rather undeserved reputation as being a | | | | chess, they soon discover that improvement comes |
| game played only by eggheads, a game so far out of | | | | quickly in the beginning. Mastering a few basic |
| the reach of the normal human being that it can only | | | | techniques and strategies makes the difference |
| be truly comprehended by intellectual giants. While | | | | between a novice and a competent player. No |
| intellectual giants do indeed play the game, savant | | | | extraordinary mental facilities are needed to play a |
| status is not a prerequisite. In fact, chess is a | | | | great game of chess and have a good time doing so. |
| surprisingly simple game, and most adults can learn the | | | | That being said, playing chess well does involve |
| rules in one sitting. | | | | exercising your brain. Chess involves attack and |
| In Europe and in many Latin American countries, chess | | | | defense, tactics and strategy, skill, insight, and patience. |
| is not viewed as an unapproachable pastime of the | | | | You try to implement your plan while discerning and |
| elite. Rather, it is a hobby and passion for the masses. | | | | foiling your opponent's strategy. You know your |
| The reason for the popularity of chess is easy to | | | | opponent is doing the same, so you try to fool him. A |
| see--you can learn to play the game in a single day | | | | feint on the wing disguises your real plan of a center |
| but you can spend a lifetime trying to master it. Chess | | | | thrust, or vice versa. For these reasons, it is said that |
| games are like snowflakes; they never repeat. Except | | | | General Douglas Macarthur advocated making chess |
| for games that feature a few well known opening | | | | a required subject for military officers in training. |
| traps, each and every chess game is unique. It has | | | | Chess is a simple yet deceptively deep game. It can |
| been estimated that there are more possible chess | | | | be enjoyed by anyone. Those who choose to delve |
| games than there are particles in the entire universe. | | | | more deeply into the secrets of chess are rewarded |
| For those who take the time to delve into the art of | | | | with a mentally stimulating and rewarding lifelong hobby. |