CHESS: A GAME THAT TRANSCENDS BORDERS

I have always been a lover of games because they are forms of entertainment and help me bond with people. Although I derive joy from numerous games, chess remains my favourite. Chess goes beyond a mere board game. It is a battle of wits and tactics that has been in existence for several centuries. I first discovered the game of chess while I was in secondary school and it is a unique game because of the following reasons:

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• Intellectual Development: One of the things that attracted me to chess was the notion that it is a game played by intelligent people. I mean, who wouldn't want to be intelligent? When I started learning it, I discovered it involves a lot of planning and precision. You have to think really hard because your next move can either take you closer to winning or losing. To play chess, you must have a keen foresight and tactical planning. I like the game of Whot (a card game), but sometimes, luck can be on your side when you're given good cards. In chess, there is no luck involved. It is up to you and you alone.

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• Global Acceptance and Popularity: Before I begin any game, I like to discuss with my opponent so we could agree on rules. This is because misunderstandings can occur due to conflicting rules. This issue is common in draughts, ludo, Whot, ayo (indigenous Yoruba game) and many other games. However, this rarely occurs in chess because the rules are the same everywhere and anyone can learn them within a short time. Chess is played in every country and enjoyed by young and old. I am sure that no matter where I go, I would always find someone who is an adept player

• Relatability: It is easy to relate the game of chess with life experiences. Through chess, I have learnt patience, foresight and discipline. I also learnt that, sometimes, it is necessary to make some sacrifices while trying to achieve a goal. When I apply these skills to life, I am able to surmount challenges and achieve my dreams.
  
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• Escapism: On several occasions, I try to take my mind off a worrisome matter by playing chess with a friend or sibling. The mental engagement keeps my mind off the issue for a while. This is a saner way to manage my emotions instead of taking alcohol or drugs. There are diverse distractions in the world, nonetheless, chess offers a form of escapism that is safe, sane and positive.

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• Accessibility: Chess game is also available on computers and smartphones so, instead of looking for an opponent everytime, I can play against the computer program while setting my desired difficulty level.

Thank you for reading through my article. I would like to know if chess is your favourite game too.
Let's play! ♟️🤗