Chess

I’m playing white and one of my current favorite openings. Known as the King’s Pawn Opening. I’m met with a Scandinavian Defense, cool, I slither on past, clamping down on F6. Breaking one of the opening principles, never move the same piece twice in the opening.

T’was a strategic necessity. What’s more, when tactical opportunities surface, why not capitalize?" Rules are like pawns in chess - they're meant to be understood, sometimes sacrificed, and occasionally used to checkmate!" In this case a lesser evil was committed in effort to achieve a greater good. After all, I’m out to eat the black king no matter what.

Developing my pieces while taking control of the center, I know my primary objective.

I’m assessing the board in real time. Invariably identifying and updating my strategic goals.

A dark pony hops to C6, D4 rolls off my wrist. Strategy, I mumble, analyzing the enemy’s position, establish a robust pawn structure. Align the laser beams, anticipating black to short castle.

The ponies are now developed, supporting the well established pawn center. Frisky and full of life, neighing to be rotated around and charge an attack on the king’s side. Hooha, I rein them in. We must secure the Monarch first then go fight, I tell them.

Meanwhile my foot soldiers are engaged in trench warfare. Control the center, creating barriers, blocking attacks, and seeking promotion. The rooks are connected and blasting down the half open files.

I’m content with this game. I’m happy. I set out win like a wannabe GM, (and no, GM does not stand for Grandmother).

Then tables are beginning to turn towards the end of the middle game. And due to a few inaccuracies the opponent is now encroaching with intent to stifle his opponent. Who likes to be steamrolled in chess? He pops his pony onto a weakened square, forking my beloved bishop. Despite the end results, I try to remain agreeable to the idea that chess can teach you good things.

They tell us some life lessons that playing this game might teach us include critical thinking, strategic planning, problem solving, patience and persistence, analyzing mistakes, risk management, focus and concentration etc.

Also another virtue that you’re technically taught is the one known as “adapting to change”. Corresponding to the on scene inner emotions.You chess nerds know all about it, the inner gleeful giddiness from pulling a good one, to the raging reality of just blundering your queen. It’s hard. It’s hard on the system. Resilience is the key. Not flying pieces.

I Checkmate my choler.