My partner (girlfriend) is going to refuse me the teaching of chess to my son when he's older. She can't play herself, and thinks the game is solely for geeks and nerds. She refuses to accept the educational qualities the game offers. She also says that if my son made his own choice to play, then he'd have to keep it a secret. Do any other players have these sort of opinions from their partners?

 That makes me sad. Playing chess isn't something to be ashamed of. It looks like she fears that it will be 'socially unacceptable' or something like that. The people that would look down on you for playing chess aren't the sort of people you want to be around anyways, so who cares if you son gets picked on a little?

Maybe you should teach you girlfriend the game, and she'd appreciate it a little more, but I'm guessing it would be difficult getting her to try it.

My lady thoroughly enjoys kickin' the tar out of me over the board.

I can, though, kind of understand where your lady is coming from. 

Those little magnetic pocket sets are great because they can be hidden from view very quickly.

 It's ridiculous to be afraid of others knowing you're a chess player. It's  ridiculous to concede to the putrid filth that will beat you down for it in school. Acting like playing chess is a bad thing will only make other's view of chess worse.

These ideas are so far from reality as to be pathetic.  This isn't about chess.  I'm sure there is a whole raft of other very worthwhile things this person would be too "embarassed" to do (and have people in her family doing).  Anyone that is that obsessed with outward impressions and what other people think of them is beyond hope.  You both have my sympathy.

But what if she sees some of the threads on the chess.com "backstreet" forums ??

This guy is an avid amateur player... I'm sure most people would refrain from calling him a geek/nerd to his face....

Shes Right!! lololo

   I would look for a new friend, this just might be the tip of the iceberg, she may have many other surprise hang ups. But then again if you really feel strongly about this person for her other attributes, buy her a cheese cake and some flowers, and say Look here doll, you gota trust me on this one, and see if she believes in compromise?

Face it. She's got a screw missing.

Family site.

If my wife tried something like that, she'd suddenly have a real problem using her credit card.

Seriously, that is stupid.  If your son wants and likes to play chess, encourage him despite white Mrs Hitler says.

Just in case anybody is taking the OP seriously:

Maybe it's time to get a new girlfriend. If she's that ignorant about teaching your kid how to play a board game, how narrow minded is she about other things?

Perma ban please.

Prawneatsprawn +90, that's as good a non-chess checkmate as I've seen!

If she can't see past her naive opinion to see the value, then that's her problem.  Fathers are supposed to teach their sons what they know, so teach 'em.

Yes, I have put some silly posts on in the past, but I am being serious on this one.

Then you should dump your girlfriend 'partner' and get yourself a gentleman friend 'partner' who will postively influence your son to play chess. Now if you are really serious, you won't hesitate to take my advice. Oh, and change your name to Bruce or Chad.

Chad? What sort of a names that?