What you have stumbled upon, chessica, is the oldest problem in human nature that is resident in your own mind. This has to do with the common human tendency to control every little thing other people think or do, even in their spare time.

This problem has inspired all of the modern western religions, many unjust laws in many countries, etc. Many wife-beaters and child abusers also have this problem, and use the abuse as a means of controlling their victim.

However, the important goal is to make this as free a society as possible, where a person can be allowed, even encouraged, to study any subject they desire for any reason ( except maybe known terrorists or drug dealers being admitted to the chemistry department in a university).

In such a society, the true criminals are those who want to control every little thing others think and do. YOU seem to have this problem in a bad sort of way, being worried about other people studying a few aspects of what you yourself see as just a game. If thats all it is to you, why is it such a big deal?

Another thing I want to point out. Lets momentarily compare chess to mathematics, momentarily setting aside the obvious differences. first came adding 2 and 2. This guy taught the next guy. Next guy used this information to figure out 4-2, and taught the third person. And this went on for millenia until now we have calculus and such, without which there would be no modern architecture, physics, good cars and planes, ICBMs, computers, and everything else that makes this world great. Why cannot this apply to chess too. We can learn everything possible about chess, which may very well teach us tons about the human mind and the way it learns that could apply to useful things also.It is an integral part of teaching humans how we function. It does not mean that you cant have fun just using your mind. But bottom line here is to live and let live.

Future Banned Book List for US Schools:

# Huckleberry Finn

# Catcher in the Rye

# Fahrenheit 451

# The Grapes of Wrath

# Mastering the Chess Openings

It truly bugs me to no end when people begin to knock "western religions" (by which we all know they mean any and all forms of cristianity), because they try to control everything people say, think, or do. This, however, is not the case. I admit that many people in these denominations have gone astray and have began to be openly hostile to people with other views than them, but this is not true christianity. Christianity in its pure and true form is not like this. Other than that I agree with you completly godlessaint, and you made very many good points.

an evil fun.

a fun evil.

chessica it looks like somebody hurt your feelings. dont let your self-esteeen and confidence be effected just becuz you got stomped!

chessica is a hater. how do you know if your opponent studies or not, because there better than you. some people got it some people dont

 hahhahaaa i loved the "last" one:D

 no no no no no...nobody has hurt my feelings :) and not at all about chess :) , I was just trying to speak the truth...oooopppsss :D

 Im not a "hater" :) trust me !

I complete;y understand that in any game one has to win and other , to lose. Its not that anyone is "better". for example...tha GM's playing , both are "better" still one loses,its a game of spontaniety smartness and timing!

But trust me, all your comments have encouraged me to improve;)

:)

Thank y'all for your precious comments.

I for one found your article thought-provoking, Chessica; I used to play this game internationally and have won tournaments and beaten grandmasters and all the usual hooey. Then in the space of two months a very good friend of mine (an IM who used to enter tournaments with me and stay with me and my girl) topped himself whilst playing in Kenya and a journalist friend asked me in a radio interview at a congress why I played chess. To my astonishment I found I had no answer to hand. I packed it up there and then - this was more than 20 years ago - and I have only recently succumbed to the seduction of the internet.

At the time, I was frustrated by the mechanical nature that I felt was developing within the game - I have always been something of a maverick and would study the openings only to the point where I could find a move to take my opponent 'out of the books', and ensure that we were on a level playing field.

I think you express a valid sentiment and I also rather liked Sir_Gawain's reflections; I am of the belief that feelings are much more important to one's individual 'wholeness' than any amount of cold logic, and anything that detracts from one's natural spontaneity is actually detrimental to your health. I'm very glad you posted what you did

I am glad that there is someone who has coherence of thoughts and understand human feelings honestly.

Thanks a lot for your comment.