Invest in Others Your Love of Chess

I was the first on either side of the family to finish college, and the only one to receive a masters (besides my youngest sister a few years later) or a doctorate. Dad valued education even though he only completed his G.E.D. Mom finished high school and was an avid reader who encouraged us three kids to read. Their influence on me as a learner remains evident today.

My parents taught me many life-lessons. They taught me responsibility. They taught me to do a good job. They challenged me to give my best in all that I do. I learned good money management. They taught me to keep my word. I learned to honor every person. (In fact, I can remember being laughed at by classmates in first grade for saying "yes, sir," and "no, sir.")

And it is amazing the number of these life-lessons that translate well into chess. I love learning the game. There is always something new to learn. Politeness makes chess even more enjoyable. I enjoy meeting people from all over the world. When I play, I play to win and give my best effort. And now, I enjoy helping others come to appreciate chess, the game to which I am addicted!

What do you know about chess? Share it? Be a friend; share your appreciation for the game. Share how to avoid mistakes. Share how pieces move. Share about offense and defense. Share about en passant. Share about castling. Share about the value of pieces. Share about board control. It does not matter whether you are a beginner or an expert. Share what you know.

My parents who both had little education taught me an appreciation of learning which was fulfilled in 2003 when I received the Doctor of Education degree. In a similar way, your investment of your appreciation for the game of chess can bear fruit in others who may even surpass your abilities! Go ahead take the risk! Invest your love of chess in others!