Chess from my son’s point of view
April 13, 2010
Cole is six years old. He loves chess and enjoys playing us and friends at school. I thought I’d interview him:
What piece do you like the best?
The queen, because it can almost move like any piece. It can’t move like the horse though.
What do you like best about chess?
When I win!
Do you still like to play if you lose?
Yes. I still like to play when I lose because it’s still a game. It’s not like you get a trophy or a million dollars if you win a game!
Have you played in tournaments?
Yes. I have because my mom and dad teach me and the other kids in my class. They put on tournaments at the school.
Do you like tournaments?
Yes! Because it is exciting if you win or not. It is tricky, like a riddle.
What kind of chess game is your favorite?
I like long games, because it takes longer to see who wins.
Do you ever teach chess?
Yes! I teach my little sister. She’s three.
Tell me about teaching her!
She doesn’t know how to play, so I teach her so that she knows. I like to be the big brother. That’s what being a big brother is all about – teaching baby sisters what it is!
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pingback by Tweets that mention Say Yes To Chess | Say Yes to Chess -- Topsy.com — April 13, 2010 @ 5:55 pm
I play with my 11 year old. We are both self-taught and have played for a few years. Sounds like I should start to teach the 6 year old as well.
Cool idea to interview your son.
comment by Rob Berman — April 13, 2010 @ 7:19 pm
That is so great that you two play! Yes, you can teach children as early as 4 years old. Actually, even earlier than that! Let me know if you need any pointers.
Thanks for commenting!
comment by Your Chess Coach — April 13, 2010 @ 7:34 pm
I love hearing the perspective of a child.
comment by Julia Lindsey — April 14, 2010 @ 3:00 am
He is too adorable! I love that he is teaching is 3-year-old sister to play chess. It’s never to early to learn something like that.
My daughter is learning to play the violin. She’s 2, and her father is a professional violinist.
It’s so wonderful to see little ones take an interest in a hobby that works their minds.
comment by Terez — April 14, 2010 @ 12:03 pm
Wow, that’s exciting about your daughter. How fun!
I have a youtube video about my son teaching my daughter to play. It was back when she just turned 2. If you search “chess kids” on youtube you’ll see it. It has about 12000 hits by now! Maybe you can put up a video about your daughter too!
comment by Your Chess Coach — April 14, 2010 @ 12:19 pm
Laura, thank you very much for the letter on this. Your son is just plain old adorable, and a chess genius to boot! Kids today are I think much, much smarter than they used to be. Hopefully so, and this world will become a far better place for that, too! Anyway, I couldn’t resist the chance to make a posting here and also post our website link – LOL :0) !
comment by Karen Cole — April 14, 2010 @ 5:49 pm
@Laura I plan to put up a video on YouTube! She played her violin at one of my husband’s school concerts a month ago. I just have to stop procrastinating and take the time to get in on YouTube.
comment by Terez — April 14, 2010 @ 7:07 pm
Just saw your kids on YouTube! They are so cute and brilliant. You must be very proud of them.
I think so often we parents underestimate our children’s abilities. You are a great example of how to nurture and teach your children. My hat’s off to you!
comment by Terez — April 14, 2010 @ 7:11 pm
Karen, thank you so much for stopping by! The reason that my husband and I teach children to play chess is that we both firmly believe it really helps them. Chess gives them many skills which help them in life, giving them more chances in the world!
comment by Your Chess Coach — April 14, 2010 @ 7:27 pm
Dear Terez,
Please do share the link when you put her up on youtube. It is fun to watch the clicks roll in.
I appreciate your watching my youtube video and thank you for your kind words. It was fun to shoot!
comment by Your Chess Coach — April 14, 2010 @ 7:28 pm
Great interview, my youngest started playing chess when she was 5 but as none of the rest of us play she has sort of given up, think I will get my hubby to try again and get her to teach him.
comment by Brenda — April 15, 2010 @ 2:30 am
Brenda, it is a great idea to get her to teach you! Let me know how that goes!!
comment by Your Chess Coach — April 15, 2010 @ 4:37 am
Great Idea! Much more interesting than an adult.
Here is a riddle for your son:
Q.What has no beginning, no end, and no middle?
A. Doughnut.
comment by Jim Sutton — April 18, 2010 @ 2:32 pm