tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11970089.post115235456923681043..comments2023-12-19T12:28:50.637+00:00Comments on Earth and Universe: Chess - this game helped me as a kid.John of Dublinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02536252400016522481noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11970089.post-1155987269798605322006-08-19T12:34:00.000+01:002006-08-19T12:34:00.000+01:00Great StoryGreat StoryEd Doylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11312892344795127129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11970089.post-1153694312846973632006-07-23T23:38:00.000+01:002006-07-23T23:38:00.000+01:00Thanks Omani,Yes I remember all that logical type ...Thanks Omani,<BR/><BR/>Yes I remember all that logical type chess moves terminology - e.g. Pawn takes Pawn etc. I also followed all the Spassky Fisher matches from early 1970s.John of Dublinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02536252400016522481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11970089.post-1153674444198615382006-07-23T18:07:00.000+01:002006-07-23T18:07:00.000+01:00What a lovely way you have of telling the memory a...What a lovely way you have of telling the memory and connecting it to now.<BR/><BR/>And another amazing coincidence: I watched my father playing chess with his friend Fr Naughton, a Jesuit, who used to come visit him on Monday evenings. The two men sat in armchairs by the fireplace, over a chess board decorated with ivory pieces (which I have inherited). They pushed those red and white carved statues around the war zone, and my mother brought them in tea and biscuits. They played three games each time. I have no idea who won; they never seemed to go on about that. In fact, I don't remember them talking much. It was as if Faldo and Woods were playing - only I know their adversity was seriously friendly.<BR/><BR/>He taught me to play, and eventually let me win. He showed me how to read Tal & Alekine, Fisher and Spasky. It as all pawn to king bishop four... (well before E4, D5...)<BR/><BR/>Last week, in Algarve, I had few high points because of the heat. But I had a lovely time playing chess with one of my nieces with whom I'd never played. I didn't even know she could play. We fought wonderfully, twice, and now I have something to look forward to whenever I visit them in Limerick.<BR/><BR/>I've tried chess with Grace. But she's better at backgammon: they won't go in her mouth yet.Paul O'Mahony (Cork)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04037675154032285031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11970089.post-1152707694467831962006-07-12T13:34:00.000+01:002006-07-12T13:34:00.000+01:00Hi Ann, thanks. Yes, it's real exciting getting an...Hi Ann, thanks. Yes, it's real exciting getting an award in school as a kid. <BR/><BR/>I'll have to think about what a horse puzzle is though. A jigsaw puzzle with a picture of a horse maybe? :-)John of Dublinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02536252400016522481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11970089.post-1152655002840119352006-07-11T22:56:00.000+01:002006-07-11T22:56:00.000+01:00Great story - I'm really enjoying these looks into...Great story - I'm really enjoying these looks into your past. And you're so right about teachers. I had a teacher in second grade who had us keep track of all the books we read outside of class. I read the second-most books and got a horse puzzle. It was, at the time, the most exciting thing that had ever happened to me.-Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08359625931588140579noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11970089.post-1152616897248507912006-07-11T12:21:00.000+01:002006-07-11T12:21:00.000+01:00Thanks missmellifluous for your very kind words.If...Thanks missmellifluous for your very kind words.<BR/><BR/>If your lad is wanting to play chess it's great - keep encouraging him. We as adults can often be lazy when kids keep wanting things - I'm often like that myself. But it can be worth the effort if you can spot a passion for something emerging.<BR/><BR/>And yes - you are right on another point - kids get a great boost from beating an adult at something!John of Dublinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02536252400016522481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11970089.post-1152579899882590982006-07-11T02:04:00.000+01:002006-07-11T02:04:00.000+01:00This is a great story! We really do have to give c...This is a great story! We really do have to give children a chance to succeed. Your teacher was very smart. <BR/><BR/>I love how the game gives occasion for bonding between yourself and your dad too! How great that your dad would always sit down and play with you. <BR/><BR/>My little man wants to learn how to play 'chesst' as he calls it. Sadly, I am not very good a chess though I do enjoy playing it. I have lost many a game. Perhaps I should teach him though, it would be good for him to beat me!<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the inspiration. I like your stories.missmellifluoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04429578437601618663noreply@blogger.com