I was wondering who did you started to play with when you were young? I started with my father, is it the same for a lot of people?

My father as well.

Same here

         same here

Me

Yup, my dad. I first saw the game from two friends though, but I never played with them because I thought it was lame :P

I grew up near Wahington Square Park in New York City and learned watching Blitz and from a couple of the guys down there. My mother sent me down there with a few dollars to keep the lessons coming. One thing I did learn? I never wanted a straight job for the rest of my life (which I've never had).

an ex-boyfriend taught me

An old school teacher about 10 years ago. Within 2 weeks I was beating the entire class, teacher included.

This year, Hoklanie can take credit for actually introducing me to the game and in turn this site. I was never able to sit still long enough when I was a kid.  I was always running off getting into trouble.

I saw a book in Borders and asked my mother to purchase it for me. It was Patrick Wolff's The Complete Idiot's Guide to Chess. I sort of introduced myself to it. Always thought you had to be a genius to play the game. Finally gave it a shot.

Myself.