Taking it easy on the pixels, Dozy?
An Introduction to Internet Chess
Sort:
Jan 31, 2010
0
#4
A few thoughts, I think it's a great idea BTW.
1) If you're new-ish to computers, the nice thing about chess.com and other browser oriented sites is that you have EZ one-button access. Either via a bookmark or desktop shortcut.
2) Community aspect via chat/discussion.
3) If you're new, there is a lot of good instruction.
4) Cost is pretty low to join, or you can still play free.
5) Chess is pervasive through the Internet. Lots of good sites, good way to explore the Internet.
6) All kinds of chess can be played: tournaments, challenge games, against the computer.
7) Contest aspect of tournaments is often fun to many.
8) Potential to form a seniors forum, at least on this site.
9) Chess is a good brain exercise. Can help prevent Alzheimers: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2001-03-05-alzheimers-hobbies.htm
10) Some other thoughts as well: http://www.quadcitychess.com/benefits_of_chess.html#why
11) You can set the pace of the games via the time limits.
12) Above all else, it's fun! Great to watch your ELO go up (unless you play someone like Dozy!), sense of accomlishment. Fun of looking forward to playing a game that you're ahead on.
Good luck with your presentation, and hope that all 50 folks show up!
Tom
Jan 31, 2010
0
#5
One other thought: Via chess.com or other sites, you meet all kinds of interesting people across the world. I notice that you've already got feedback from Poland and the US.
If you're a senior, you can be very plugged into the world via a site like chess.com
Feb 1, 2010
0
#6
The 'Chess Rules & Basics" under the 'LEARN' menu would be good for those who are total beginners. Good luck with the talk - let us know how it went!
Feb 1, 2010
0
#7
Dont forget to mention that internet chess is anonymous. Tell them that there are thousands of friendly people here but also people that will be rude because nobody knows who they are. Often people complain about rude opponents. Tell them about cheating. What is it? should i worry about it? I think they should ignore it.Just as I do. But it is good to tell them because they will read about it and maybe be worried.
u can join a chess club !
Nope, I'm not preaching to the converted; that's the title of a talk I've been invited to give to a group of older people during Seniors' Week in Oz. The group will come from two local Seniors' organisations who try, with some difficulty, to introduce people who have little computer literacy to the Wonderful World of the Web.
Now I can work out an interesting talk but I'd like to throw this open for your ideas and get some input about things I might well overlook.
What do you expect to find in a chess site? What are the good points, and the bad? If you were a new player what would you be looking for?
Of course I'll be promoting chess.com—why would I tell anyone to play anywhere else?—but I'll also mention some of the other available locations.
The organisers are expecting around 50 people but I think a dozen is more realistic. I hope I'm wrong.
The room I'll be using has 12-15 computers, all connected to the Internet.
Erik: If we have time I'll probably encourage anybody who wants to play on-line to sign up for a chess.com account there and then, but if there's the usual check to verify their email addresses that won't be possible because they won't get emails addressed to their homes. The seniors' club may well have an email address at that location but, even so, everybody would be trying to sign on using the same address. If this is the case, would it be possible to set up half a dozen or so dummy (temporary) accounts for the occasion, please?
I'll be going on vacation from Feb 23 to March 17 and won't have much time to organise things when I get back—the talk is scheduled for March 23. So any input anybody might give over the next few weeks will be appreciated.