GM Simon Williams on How Chess Transcends Various Barriers and Differences - Chess Forums

SeniorPatzer

Jul 10, 2018

0

#1

The beauty of chess is it can be whatever you want it to be. It transcends language, age, race, religion, politics, gender and socioeconomic background. Whatever your circumstances, anyone can enjoy a good fight to the death over the chess board.

SeniorPatzer

Jul 10, 2018

0

#2

DeirdreSkye wrote:

It's not chess that does that miracle. It's human nature.

We like to play and we like to compete. Chess have both. Simple as that.

But as chessplayers we like to believe that chess is different.

I used to play Risk online, occasionally pool(really relaxing) and hearts(card game) and they were no different than a game of chess. People from all over the world playing and competing.Having fun, getting angry, forgetting their problems for a few minutes or a few hours.

Oh my, I haven't played Hearts in ages! I love that game. I just love "Shooting the Moon" and passing 3 cards that really ruin my opponent's hands. Such a fun game.

knighttour2

Jul 11, 2018

0

#3

Williams' quote could be applied to basically any competition or sport that is played in different parts of the world.

It should be noted that his quote isn't true in all cases. Iranian players won't play Israeli players in tournaments (although I think their gov't has more to do with that than the players), there are issues over dress codes in some parts of the world and also travel restrictions placed on some countries by other countries. Close, but not quite.

SeniorPatzer

Jul 11, 2018

0

#4

GM Simon William's occasionally lapses towards hyperbole and a bit of romanticism, eh? He'd probably hear the critique and pushback, toss his red head back and take a large swig of whatever brew he had in his hand, then come down, look you in the eye, and let out a large burp, saying "Damn analytical chess players always trying to refute my unsound sacks!!"

SeniorPatzer

Jul 11, 2018

0

#5

I can imagine Simon Williams cursing the telly when Croatia beat England 2-1 in the World Cup today, lol. Especially if he made a wager with a Croatian GM.