Rael wrote:

Josh Waitzkin's theory of "building the tension" has remarkable parallels to flirting...

 Is that The Art of Learning your reading Rael?  If so how is it?  It's on my list of acorns to snatch up

CyberSensei wrote:

Nothing in the world can take the place of  PERSISTENCE.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "Press On," has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.

Calvin Coolidge -- 1932

If chess teaches anything, it's that success and mastery don't "Just Happen!"

that's one of the best posts I've read on this thread. I totally agree with this.

The pattern-recognition skills we develop in playing chess are applicable to a wide range of fields. It should help with the concentration span as well. Also, being mocked for playing chess when you're a teenager prepares you for the harsh realities of life.

Ok, interesting comments, Luke and Rael, now how about the topic: chess!!!

Playing chess simply takes up the time we have while we are not doing anything useful or meaningful................like getting that degree in English

Getting that degree in English simply takes up the time we have while we are not doing anything useful or meaningful................like playing chess. 

Lol.

It's not a game, it's a whole way of thinking about anything you care to apply the principles of the game to.

I like playing Chess.

bobsterlobster wrote:

It's not a game, it's a whole way of thinking about anything you care to apply the principles of the game to.

 Nice touch with the small letters bobsterlobster, really adds the emphasis to a point that deserves it.

It helps teach you that your plans are never infallible, somebody always knows more than you and helps stave off Alzheimer's

good!

Just think how many times you've heard or read "It's a real chess game," related to things which have nothing to do with chess:  politics, business dealings, athletic contests, etc.

Playing chess, especially losing at chess, can promote good sportsmanship and teach you respect for others.  Reading books on chess improves one's memory and analytical skills.  Teaching others to play can be very satisfiying and rewarding.  Any mental excercise such as chess is benefical to people of all ages.  But I have to wonder a little about these forums...

Personally for me Chess acts like tonic, keeps my brain active and helps me improve my concentration levels in other fields as well. Most importantly I find so many better players (so many youngsters less than half my age included) than me that helps me maintain my competative spirit without losing heart.

Kasparov has written a book on this topic!

I think that chess teaches you different skills as you improve. For a very early beginner, chess teaches you visualization skills. For an improving beginner, chess teaches you patience and carefulness. For an intermediate player, chess teaches you deductive logic and creative problem-solving. I'm not sure what chess teaches an advanced player, because I haven't gotten there yet!

Maybe it is pointless for grandmasters to spend much time in front of a chessboard.

Can it be that they take the step from being a genious to become "a bit weird" because they play too much?

TheMoonwalker wrote:

Kasparov has written a book on this topic!

 What book!!! Are you referring to "How life imitates chess"

If so say it as people may want to read it.

Yes! Thats the one, but I haven't read it...:(

Anyway, I am sure it is very interesting for every single chess player in the world (except Kasparov...;)

Hey Luke, it is actually prooved that using your brain a lot can prevent alzheimer later in life...