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What Chess Means to Me

By Lida Rustami

When I was little, I always saw my dad and uncle playing chess. At first I thought it was a boring game. I didn't understand the essence of the game and I thought it was strange that sometimes they sat there for hours and sometimes the game ended quickly. I found it interesting, so I sat down and watched them play.  

 

Over time, I taught myself the strategy of the game, but I never played it. One summer we went to visit relatives in the Netherlands and my cousin and I started playing chess. We were both very beginners, but I won. He said that next year when we meet again, he will be better than me and beat me. That's how the years passed, we met once every year and played chess, we were usually at the same level. Neither of us was better than the other, but I still won several times just because I was mentally better than him. He was easily influenced.

 

Last year I played with one of my cousins, who was about 10 years old and he was so confident, while he was no better than me, but I was so panicked, afraid that a child would beat me that happend he really beat me. That's why I think that everything is decided in the head. Talking to your opponent during the game, be it a stranger or a familiar one, you can learn a lot about them. I really like these conversations. I love deep talk and playing chess at the same time.  

 

I think chess is a fascinating and challenging game. It requires a lot of strategic thinking, planning, and foresight. It's a great way to exercise your brain and improve your problem-solving skills.  Plus, it's a game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Personally, I think chess can be considered a sport.  While it may not involve physical exertion like traditional sports, it requires strategic thinking, mental stamina, and intense concentration. Chess players often train, compete, and participate in tournaments, similar to athletes in other sports. Some people consider chess to be a sport, while others see it more as a strategic game.  

 

When I play chess, I feel a kind of excitement and concentration. During the game, I try to plan my next steps, think ahead and apply strategies. There is also a sense of satisfaction when you manage to make a good move or capture an opponent's piece. But of course, sometimes it can be frustrating if you fail to implement the planned steps. Overall, though, I really enjoy chess and the challenges it presents. When I lose a match, I usually feel a little disappointed or frustrated. Of course, no one likes to lose, but I always try to be positive and see the reason why I lost. This helps me grow and learn from my mistakes. It's also important to me to enjoy the game itself and the process, regardless of the outcome.

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