Chess's decrease of popularity

I believe that chess was one of the games that Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter played with the Grim Reaper in Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey (1991).

Chess has never been taught in schools has it?  I can't see the correlation between literacy and chess?  My Grandfather taught me and I've taught my two nephews aged 10 and 11.  Who also happen to have extremely good literacy skills and their own iPads but they still enjoy chess and Monopoly and Cranium and a number of other board games plus football and scouts.  Kids aren't all about online gaming. 

I think every generation looks at the next generation with a 'it's not like it was in my day' attitude... chess is alive and well and maybe if each of us pass our love of chess onto a few of the next generation... we can keep it that way.

1. Out of context and intent, whichever serves your immediate purpose?

2. They don't match any real ones.

3. Usually, that would be true. But to criticize literacy rate by writing litaracy rates is too ironic too ignore.

4. Sour grapes are unbecoming.

5. Thank heavens for small favors.

So, Credico, you were a screenwriter?  How did you break into that business, if you don't mind me asking.  I've been in a few productions but only from the performance side.  I'm interested in getting involved in the development and production side.

Babytigrrr wrote:

Chess has never been taught in schools has it?  I can't see the correlation between literacy and chess?  My Grandfather taught me and I've taught my two nephews aged 10 and 11.  Who also happen to have extremely good literacy skills and their own iPads but they still enjoy chess and Monopoly and Cranium and a number of other board games plus football and scouts.  Kids aren't all about online gaming. 

I think every generation looks at the next generation with a 'it's not like it was in my day' attitude... chess is alive and well and maybe if each of us pass our love of chess onto a few of the next generation... we can keep it that way.

To answer your question, chess is not taught in public schools for any type of class, however many schools do have some type of local chess club activity after school. Many of the kids are just beginners (at least in my experience). I was taught at a young age by my dad. I'm not an exceptional player, but I could easily beat most of them. My rating on here should be ~1400, but I lost so many games on time when I stopped playing awhile back.

Why isn't chess on TV anymore?

Wasn't that BBC programme "The Master Game" quite popular?

Good for you themonkey. I think most people are taught by a friend or family member at a young age... nice to see you're enjoying it still and improving.

Bueller? ... Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

The most relevant post in this whole thread, and still no response to it.

I doubt the OP, who sports a Canadian flag, was referring to the after school habits of United States schoolchildren, or to chess in the US at all. The OP used the term "supposedly" ... why supposedly? Where is this question coming from? Worldwide, there are more grandmasters now than there were internationally active masters some 50 or 60 years ago, and though this almost certainly has more to do with the collapse of the Soviet Union (and the communist policy of restricting travel/participation of the many great players from the afflicted region) than any other single factor, nevertheless, the fact seems to run counter to the OP's point.

I don't see a loss in popularity; but I can see what might be mistaken for that. Chess has gained a far wider acceptance than it ever had before, and, by consequence, isn't as remarkable as it once was.

Still, along with batgirl, I'd like to know the source that prompted the OP's question.

I remember writing to my local paper requesting a chess column back in the 70s as chess at the time was reported to have 18 percent of the population playing it. Of course, I am not sure how many of those players are 'serious' players.

I think it's true that chess is seen by many as a game, which can help you with logic and planning. I think some people such as Kasparov though, try to credit it with bringing a better understanding of business, etc. Granted Gary is a chess phenom, but his track record as a businessman is more mixed. That being said, I still enjoy playing, but sadly not OTB as organized clubs in Japan meet infrequently and tend to be expensive.

Jlconn ... you are talking of chess' players who learned their art many moons ago ... I took the question and read it that the OP was concerned about new players starting up in the game. That there could be a decline of new blood ... and I'm not American but I don't think education standards/stats (if they even bear any weight to this debate) vary that much worldwide. I hate stats.

Vatican City sacked by Batgirl...swiss guard in shambles...

News at 11.

For the first time (that I'm aware of) in 7 yrs. someone blocked me. 

:-D

LOL - hopefully not what you meant to say

I afraid it is !!

Second if your going to argue literacy rate, at least spell it correctly.

For the first time (that I'm aware of) in 7 yrs. someone blocked me

You're just too funny today, batgirl.

By the way, speaking of literacy - "you're"

It's getting less popular?

Good catch!

There are others if you care, but that was the closest one. Since it was a long post, it's forgivable :)

I'm sure there are plenty.... we could make a game out of finding them. 

You conflated "to" and "too" a few times. But, it happens :)