such thing as too stupid to play chess?
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Seems like I fit that statement quite well
Me each time I make a really massive and obvious blunder. 😂
Jan 16, 2021
0
#3
No, not at all. I've read about people with learning disabilities, and developmental disabilities, playing chess, and they enjoyed it a lot.
Some people don't feel it's worth their time to do something unless they have the potential to be super good, and this is a shame, because they're missing out on a lot of fun. With the competition starting at a very young age, it's very hard to be super good if we're starting a hobby later in life, so we should just stop caring about elitism. The good thing about chess is that it's got a long shelf life. Writing is another hobby with a great shelf life.
as long as the rules are understood in relation to how to move the pieces etc then you can enjoy playing chess.
There’s an old book I read years ago by a man named John Healy, called ‘The Grass Arena’. It’s his autobiography. He was a homeless, criminal, street alcoholic. Many peoples idea of ‘stupid’, probably. He discovered chess in prison, using little bits of torn up paper with symbols on, and a scratched out board, as there was no set in the prison. Spoiler alert: He reaches international masters level, and it keeps him alive.
So, no, I think the game is for nearly everyone, with the possible exception of people in comas, obviously 😀 (They might be playing in their heads; we’ll never know...)
So, no, I think the game is for nearly everyone, with the possible exception of people in comas, obviously 😀 (They might be playing in their heads; we’ll never know...)
TwoDogs69 wrote:
There’s an old book I read years ago by a man named John Healy, called ‘The Grass Arena’. It’s his autobiography. He was a homeless, criminal, street alcoholic. Many peoples idea of ‘stupid’, probably. He discovered chess in prison, using little bits of torn up paper with symbols on, and a scratched out board, as there was no set in the prison. Spoiler alert: He reaches international masters level, and it keeps him alive.
So, no, I think the game is for nearly everyone, with the possible exception of people in comas, obviously 😀 (They might be playing in their heads; we’ll never know...)
So, no, I think the game is for nearly everyone, with the possible exception of people in comas, obviously 😀 (They might be playing in their heads; we’ll never know...)
This is a beautiful story, thank you for sharing it.
And to answer the original question : I was diagnosed with ADD (attention deficit disorder) at a very late age (about 26). It made my scholarship (and life in general) a total disaster ! I barely finished high-school, and couldn't pursue studies. Now, don't worry, I'm doing good today ! This was just to stress how serious this thing is. To go back to chess, it is true that this game is demanding, in many areas. And, if you were to take every single thing that characterize this disorder, every disabilities (short term memory, attention -obviously-, visualisation, calculation, etc), and put them together in a compact mass, you would call it chess ! What I can tell from my experience (keep in mind I'm an amateur player, not a GM), is that regardless of any "disadvantage", disability, or whatever, you can improve your game - and enjoy it ! - by sticking to a study plan. Even if it's 15 mn everyday ; little bit of puzzles, lessons, play a game or two, it's good enough, if you can do it though the days, weeks, months, and so on. You may be better than me, but I believe those advices are still relevant, to anyone who wishes to improve a skill. So, I want to answer that, whatever your "intelligence" is (or more likely, what you believe it is), you have far more potential that you could think of. No matter your age. And, what's funny is that people who question their own intelligence often are those who wouldn't need to. And, my guess is that, those who think they are not smart enough to accomplish something do not suffer from a lack of "intelligence", but a deficit in self-confidence ! 
Jan 17, 2021
0
#7
You’re not alone in that thought!!
In November I couldn’t have even told you how the pieces move.
Something I’ve been trying to remember as I learn is that it’s only a game in the long run. As long as it’s done for fun, you have nothing but good things ahead!
Plus, most of the “good” players have been doing this game for years. YEARS. We have no need to compare ourselves! 🤗🤗
In November I couldn’t have even told you how the pieces move.
Something I’ve been trying to remember as I learn is that it’s only a game in the long run. As long as it’s done for fun, you have nothing but good things ahead!
Plus, most of the “good” players have been doing this game for years. YEARS. We have no need to compare ourselves! 🤗🤗