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Nice series of postings, btw.
Chess and the looking glass (Part 2)
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Thank you batgirl, I had tried to before now but my cursor wouldn't light up in my edit box and so the comment. Never thought to do it over after that. Much appreciated.
That was great. I have to say that I enjoyed your characterizations of the various personalities we come across in the game.
Well, I don't know the type of players you play against or are unfortunate enough to know.The vast majority of people I've played against (over 40 years now) are decent and polite. Ciao
You're most kind, Mr Patterson... most kind.
Today, I continue my observations on the above caption as previously published. In my previous post, I dwelt on the Cool Cat, the Spoilt Brat, Jack the Gambler and the Mean S.O.B. In this post, I will discuss the Accountant and other personalities that we may discover through the looking glass of chess.
The Accountant
The very first thing you notice about this individual is his/her meticulousness. They are very careful about the positioning of pieces and spend all of 10 minutes making sure their pieces are placed exactly in the center of each square. To every game, they come armed with a note pad and pencil and taking notes during play is religion. During play, they are as silent as the graveyard and very solemn, no questions, no small talk and no fussing. When they win a game, there is no excitement or joyful exclamations. When you congratulate them and say “Great game!” all you get in reply is a curt nod that says, “What did you expect?” They are exceedingly formal and antiseptic; small talk is an irritant that will never draw a response from them. They do not forgive themselves for making a mistake, to make a second mistake in any game is completely unacceptable and most often, even where there is a chance at recovery, they punish themselves by resigning. Resignation is not out of despair but an expression of disgust. That is the accountant at play for you.
The Fox
“Cunning as hell” is a perfect-fit description. He adores all the hiding places in chess. He loves to hide his bishop behind his knight and take aim. Or behind some obscure pun awaiting a two-square leap to expose and attack on both fronts. He does not castle to shelter his king but to cause some major diversion or disruption. Every move he makes is illusionary or serves a dual purpose. He strives at being the Houdini of chess and a top grand master. He is Kasparov and he is Bobby Fisher. The game of chess is where he finds his ultimate release without consequences. He loves dubious sacrifices and is the grand master of deception. In real life, he doesn’t talk much, he is definitely secretive, somewhat introverted and a recluse. There is nothing he enjoys better than his own company, a good game of chess and a rich drink. He loves being invisible, in the shadows, but will strike with the deadly accuracy of a black mamba. His strength is in his stealth. They make the most successful lawyers, soccer/ice hockey players, politicians and criminals. They are like the Mafia in real life; they don’t mess around. Internet chess is his true essence and perfect atmosphere; staying in his own environment to mess with other people’s mind without being seen. He is your typical Internet junkie because that is where he finds all the hiding places.
The Bandit
This guy is as quick as lightening and you have to watch his every move, quite literally. His favorite stunt is to knock your piece over with one hand and change the location of his piece with the other when you bend to pick it up. He will keep apologizing but it is only a gimmick to keep you from noticing the switch. When he explores that advantage and you yell, “How did that happen!” he’ll grin and say, “You just weren’t watching me close enough” This guy just hates to play chess on the Internet or at tournaments because he doesn’t get to make illegal moves. In real life, these are the kind of guys you never want to leave all alone in your home. The kind you’ll always find cheating at everything. You know, the guys with roving eyes that always find an excuse for hanging around. They are very shifty people with fast fingers and their game of choice is usually poker, it brings out the best in them and their talents.
The Good Samaritan
They make the best lovers, fathers and coaches and are infinitely patient. For every wrong move you make, they’d say something like “I wouldn’t make that move if I were you.” and show you why. They rarely play to win but derive immense joy teaching others. They will guide you with fondness, through every step, until you mate them. And then they will congratulate you! They are very special folks, loving life and sharing. In real life, you would find them in groups like Green peace, the Red Cross or Red Crescent and organizations like 911-Truth, Mothers against War and Impeach George Bush. They are warm and very friendly, to all mankind. Their passion is to make the world a better place. Most times, these people are the ones that bring about change, the little guys that make all the difference: my kind of guys.
To be continued…
Chess and the looking glass (concluded)