CHESS OPINION by a 12 year old

Chess: A 12-Year-Old's Perspective

Chess, the game of kings, and according to 12-year-old me, also the ultimate test of snack-time strategy. "It's like a battle between two armies," I usually explain, "but instead of swords, we use our brains. And instead of horses, we've got these little wooden pieces that don't move unless you touch them. So, less galloping, more thinking."

I've been playing chess since I was 10, which in chess years, makes me... I don't know. Some has seen my fair share of battles, from the Great Skirmish of the Living Room Rug to the Epic Standoff at Grandma's Kitchen Table. My current Elo rating? "It's like a gazillion," I boast, "or somewhere close to 1200, I think... or 0.

When people ask about the average rating for kids my age, I just shrug. "Some kids are super good, like they've been playing in their cribs. Others think the knight moves in squares. So, it's a mixed bag." I'm not wrong; the chess forums are filled with debates on the average Elo rating for 12-year-olds, ranging from 600 to 1600.

But for me, it's not about the numbers. "Chess is about having fun. If I'm not enjoying it, I'll just go play video games or something. I mean, have you ever tried playing chess with a cat? It's hilarious. They make terrible opponents, though. No strategy, just chaos."

My take on chess training is equally insightful. "You gotta study, but not like school-study. More like detective-study, where you're solving mysteries on the board. And snacks. Snacks are crucial. Can't think on an empty stomach."

As for the future of chess, I has big plans. "I'm gonna be the first person to play chess on the moon. Low gravity, high stakes. Plus, if I lose, I can just float away from my problems."

So there you have it, folks. Chess through the eyes of a 12-year-old: a world where strategy, snacks, and space travel collide. Who knows, maybe one day you'll see me making my lunar checkmate. Until then, I'll be here on Earth, moving my pawns and dreaming of zero-gravity gambits. Checkmate, space.