A couple of years ago I could beat my son at chess every time.
Not any more.
He's been studying from books, playing online and beating his sister relentlessly over the last few weeks. Then he challenged me. He won. Then he won again. Then he won again. In the fourth game I finally realized I had to play really carefully and managed to win, but it was not easy.
Then he challenged my wife, who is a much better chess player than I am. And he beat her. A number of times, though they are more evenly matched.
Then he joined his school's chess club. Today was their first meeting. He beat everyone. Then he beat the reigning and never-defeated school champion. Then he beat the teacher.
His next goal - to beat my brother, the Alehin of our family.
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I remember the first time I beat my dad: the Capablanco of the family (he was born in Havana). Unfortunately, I never really pursued the game much after that. I had slain the great arrogant dragon; what else was there to achieve?
Any chance you could post one of the games?
I taught my son to play chess when he was 5. When we would play, I would go easy on him so as not to discourage his interest. However, in the 4 years since, I find that I have to play "less easy" to the point where I am almost giving him my best shot. Nevertheless, one of my proudest moments as a father was when he caught an error I made and capitalized on it, eventually winning the game.
This is my goal as a parent: to have my children exceed my abilities.
We are not writing them down. I wonder if they do that in his chess club.
Writing the moves down is a very good way to improve ones game. It'll probably be a requirement if the tyke goes on to tournament chess. It also helps in re-living the triumphs, e.g. the time he crushed dad like a bug. :)
Alekhine was a great player without question, but a little too seedy to be a role model for my liking. Then again Bobby Fischer, who I idolized as a kid, ain't a whole lot better.
Hi, Bora!
What a wonderfully fulfilling story. It's as Charlie said above, the goal of a good parent is to have their children exceed them, so this must fill you with both pride and gratitude. I salute you both, you and your son - and Charlie, too, for framing the principle so well. I hope all's well in your lives.
With great respect,
Daniel