Chess

I’ve never thought much of board games. Monopoly is the absolute worst (even capitalist minds agree). So when I started to dabble with learning chess about six months ago, I was unsure if it would stick. Turns out it has. Playing in person is ideal—but having it available via phone is almost as tempting. My brother, dad, and sister-in-law have been my main teachers and competition so far. My dad recently got me the 1984 Franklin Mint Civil War set for my birthday. I’m officially hooked.

It seems chess has been around forever. Benjamin Franklin played often during his diplomatic trips to France. General Grant was always looking for a fellow soldier to sit with him and have a quick game. (Likely accompanied by a drink and a cigar.) Henry Ford used to not do anything of substance when visiting the White House unless he first got his chess fix. It likely drove FDR nuts, but he knew what to expect from the titan of industry as soon as he arrived. And most importantly, how to get him talking. Of the presidents, it’s rumored James Garfield would have been the toughest match for Old Henry.

Chess certainly has many traits that add to its charm. One of which is the camaraderie built even among competitors. No matter what side of the board you're on, or who comes out on top, there’s a shared connection with the centuries of players who came before. Another thing that makes chess so wonderful is the access everyone has to it. Any game that can be shared by all types of people—no matter hustlers on a city sidewalk, or CEOs on Wall Street—is a special one.

Derby Saturday

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