Like water and oil
Mixing Wives or Girlfriends with Chess?
Sort:
likesforests wrote:
AfafBouardi, my wife is a casual player, but at this point the games are so one-sided there's no point to playing together. We played our annual game a few days ago... she spent 3-5 minutes per move, I played instantly, mate in 16. :(
She actually went through all the Chessmaster tactics courses and some ChessKids tutorials, so she usually beats friends who rarely or never play.
The last time my wife and I played, she gave up after five moves, and I played both ends.
Ended up in a draw, go figure.
As a new man I used to keep my wife on a long leash I let her go out on every Wednesday night. She would go first to her chess club and then after that on to her watch repairer's class.
She always used to come home flushed and smelling of clock.
Sigh...next time I actually have one I'll stop to consider the question posed.
I suggest a good vermouth 
With my previous girlfriend, I told her I enjoy play chess... well that's why she's the previous girlfriend. I got dumped because I play chess.
My girlfriend doesn't know how to play, but she says that she wants me to teach her. I have no reason to believe that playing chess with my girlfriend will negatively affect our relationship. The only possible problem that I foresee is that she may become frustrated in the beginning stages of learning
(Lol, I wasn't ready to hit submit), but she only becomes mad at me when I beat her at her favorite game (lol, so I will try to let her win at her game until the day that she beats me in chess...then all bets are off). Oh, and I read somewhere that some sort of competition in stuff like sports or games is good for relationships, but I think this only applies as long as it remains competitive (no landslide victories!). Therefore, you must reveal to your partner all of your secrets of great chess playing so the games will be played at a healthy competitve level...which may take some time.
whitehat> The last time my wife and I played, she gave up after five moves...
And yet, we play an IM, and we're the patzer. :)
richie_and_oprah wrote:
Reb wrote:
Mixing wives with girlfriends might not be a good idea....
Actually, it is a very good idea, theoretically.
OTB it is another matter entirely.
Depends on the position
This is an issue where there can be a big gap between theory and practice. The problem is that what she's really after and what you have to give her may be entirely different things. If your gf/wife is wanting to "learn how to play chess" with you what she's really after is for you to spend time with her while sharing something of yourself with her. What she's really after, imo., is the intimacy that comes with sharing in your passion for something...in and of itself that's a wonderful thing.
But...then there's the competitive aspect to chess. Let's face it, most of us are very competitive...we wouldn't love chess as much as we do if we weren't. What's wanted is something she can cooperatively play with us, as a partner...what she's actually asking for (even if she doesn't realize it) is a competitive game where it's you vs everybody else. Chess isn't like most games, when you're at the board there is no team, it's you and your opponent.
Now, does this mean it's never a good idea. No, I don't go that far. I just think that before you do introduce her to this most beautiful game that you think long and hard about it and do it with a degree of care. You may also want to consider bringing her in on something that IS cooperative as an alternative.
Oh, but then again...what do I know anyway? I'm just a bag with a smiley face.
Apr 22, 2009
0
#33
In my mind, I imagine it would be an exciting shared passion. Even going to tournaments together and then sharing every detail of your games with one another! And then there is the tense energy of sitting across from one another to face off.
AfafBouardi, the dynamics are very interesting. Reportedly, Pascal Charbonneau and Irina Kush avoid playing each other at home because of that energy!
Apr 22, 2009
0
#35
i'm 100% [sure] that wife/gf chess would suck. even if your wife/gf is good at chess. playing chess with your wife/gf. totally.
AfafBouardi wrote:
I was wondering...how many of the chess players on here try to bring chess into their home life and share it with their wife? Or try to play the game with a girlfriend? Who has tried to get their romantic partner addicted to chess? Or do you prefer they keep away?
No luck, the wife won't play chess or Magic: The Gathering with me. :(
My wife says that chess is my girlfriend ! Oooo....she's very jealous !
My wife left me for the janitor that cleans her office.
Haven't played Magic for years. Does it still have a following ? Can it be played online in any way ?
I always find it amusing when a new girlfriend says I must teach her how to play chess. As though a chess playing girlfriend is a BIG priority and makes her more desirable one way or the other ! :-)
{EDITED}, but I really like chess. I have a really nice maplewood chess board and the pieces are really smooth and have all the right ridges.
Is there a name for that for that variation, I want to look it up in my FIDE encyclopaedia of chess openings?
No name for it yet, it hasn't been anal-yzed thoroughly enough yet.