A principal quality to becoming a strong chess player is pattern recognition and it has much value beyond the board too.
And so the upshot is I am less excited about a return to OTB chess. Why? I’ve been here before too many times. There’s nothing new about it and too much that is familiar. It’s tempting to think I go round in circles. Even if I don’t, the truth of the matter is not too far off. I seem to be quite good at putting my foot in it (reckless bugger), and so the sense of familiarity is too strong and enthusiasm somewhat lacking this time around.
There is a transition in play when you go from online to OTB. Etiquette comes back into play, the sense of occasion over-arches all. The games come thick and fast in BKK chess club because they only play blitz there. There’s also nearly 2 hours of travel to the chess club. It’s a welcome transition but it has to be remembered that chess is just a board game and there are far more important things in life to be getting on with. Well, admittedly chess is a passion too and that does elevate its status.
General considerations should never be overlooked and so, owing to circumstances, I might not be too up for it. Hard to be sure.
Leave a Reply