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No I haven't been on a trip with our FIDE president, but I have been away from organized chess for about 35 years. Thought I might make some comments about how chess and life have changed in the meantime.
WOW so much has changed! I missed Kasparov's playing career. Seems to be chess' Mr FIGJAM (F* I Am Good, Just Ask Me). One hellova chess player though. Lawrence Day has managed to not only keep all his hair, but seems to have added to it (I am envious).
Largely limited to playing chess over the internet or vs. the computer for a couple of years made me realize how much of an impact computers and the 'net have had on chess. There are more resources and learning opportunities than ever before. Listening to Peter Svidler comment on a live super GM game made me realize that they play a different game than most of us.
I got to visit the latest Canadian Open for a few rounds. Great tournament.
The change in ethnic diversity in the real world is nicely mirrored in the participants (used to be pretty much all white guys). Nice to see so many juniors and women. As a teenager with raging hormones it would be tough to focus on your game with so many attractive female chess players. Not so bad for the old farts.
Watching a young lady play with keeping one finger on the piece she is moving for an extra 10 seconds or so for a last blunder check gave me quite a chuckle. I love the enthusiasm that all the juniors brought to the tournament.
I am really impressed by the young guys who finished near the top. They punched about their weight class and really worked some of the GM's over. I am happy at having the opportunity to support our Olympiad team this year.
There should be more players at tournaments like this. I have no idea what the answer is, but with lots more people and lots of immigrants from chess playing countries there should be more chess players.
In a small way I may be able to help. I hope to get a chess club started this year in Port Hope. If you are interested please message me.
Cheers
Dave Broughton
WOW so much has changed! I missed Kasparov's playing career. Seems to be chess' Mr FIGJAM (F* I Am Good, Just Ask Me). One hellova chess player though. Lawrence Day has managed to not only keep all his hair, but seems to have added to it (I am envious).
Largely limited to playing chess over the internet or vs. the computer for a couple of years made me realize how much of an impact computers and the 'net have had on chess. There are more resources and learning opportunities than ever before. Listening to Peter Svidler comment on a live super GM game made me realize that they play a different game than most of us.
I got to visit the latest Canadian Open for a few rounds. Great tournament.
The change in ethnic diversity in the real world is nicely mirrored in the participants (used to be pretty much all white guys). Nice to see so many juniors and women. As a teenager with raging hormones it would be tough to focus on your game with so many attractive female chess players. Not so bad for the old farts.
Watching a young lady play with keeping one finger on the piece she is moving for an extra 10 seconds or so for a last blunder check gave me quite a chuckle. I love the enthusiasm that all the juniors brought to the tournament.
I am really impressed by the young guys who finished near the top. They punched about their weight class and really worked some of the GM's over. I am happy at having the opportunity to support our Olympiad team this year.
There should be more players at tournaments like this. I have no idea what the answer is, but with lots more people and lots of immigrants from chess playing countries there should be more chess players.
In a small way I may be able to help. I hope to get a chess club started this year in Port Hope. If you are interested please message me.
Cheers
Dave Broughton
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