Was raining very heavily one day after school and the school bus was late. I was 14 yrs old. I went to the library. Got hold of a chess book and started reading a bit. Was fascinated. Several more visits to the library and I learned more and more. Finally bought a chess set and challenged my dad. He wasn't very good. Said he played it as a kid, but not seriously. One funny thing that I remember till today is that he had the habit to announce 'checkmate' whenever he threatened my queen. I had to keep telling him that there is no need to announce. Well, his explanation was 'check the MATE', meaning check the spouse of the king. I beat him not long after that.
But was never really seriously playing the game until my late twenties when I worked in another country where they had lots of good filipino players, and frequent tournaments. Then stopped again when I relocated to my hometown. Recently started playing again on RHP. Having lots of fun!
some kid taught me, but he was about a 1000 elo if i had to guess he doesnt have an elo rating. then i read a book about the rules and he never beat me once after that, i was 12 i think, you would think i would be better by now but i quit chess and didnt pick it up againt a year later, and then quit again after my computer crashed and started again when i was 14.
Originally posted by RahimKI haven't learned how to play chess yet, but I will.
I taught my self chess by reading chess books.
I have never beaten my self but have come very close several times. Remember sometimes castling is not the best move.
most of my losses come from beating myself. the opponent can just wait and watch how I do myself in.
Originally posted by wormwoodI think that his question was being taught as learning the rules of chess and not improving your level of chess
I haven't learned how to play chess yet, but I will.
most of my losses come from beating myself. the opponent can just wait and watch how I do myself in.
After 20 years or so, I met this guy in India and we played a lot.
He showed me and explained me the beauty of some move, combinations, traps and tricks.
I think it's very important to meet somebody who shows you the beauty of something more than just "how to use it". Somebody who talks about it with passion and almost love.
Think Fisher said once that you have to love chess to become a good player.
Don't recall anyone ever teaching me (and doesn't it show?).
Wasn't my dad because he's only ever played one game in his life. Might have been my brother but unlikely. If it was him, then the first time I beat him was the first time I played him.
Most likely it was a teacher at school who first introduced me to the game but I would never have played against her.
My cousins taught me the moves but the person who really showed me the game was an old high school friend/party buddy of mine. He explained to me the importance of the center and other basic but yet important concepts. I was about 17 at that time. I did not beat him until about 4 or 5 years later. I queened a pawn to eventually win the game. Many thanks to David Hamlin.
My father, but I cant realy remeber him giving me the lessons, I think it was when I was about 4 or 6 years old.
once I saw an anouncment that "Felipe"(our current chess asociation president) was going to play simultaneosly(not sure if it spells that way), so I asked my father what was that, and he explained me, later that day I was one of the opponents, I lost in 25 moves, and other 18 players one by one, I stood to wait to the last game, he and my actual friend "Plata"(one of the town's best right now) were strugling and ending, and it was a draw. this was my best inspiration to be better player, I was 12 at the time.
I was so amazed that a person could play with so many people, I could not sleep that night, oohhhhh the inocence days, I wish they could come back😏😞:'(
