Hey @samostically,
Just wanted to say how much I admire your work for the chess community. Your content helps others level up their game—truly noble and inspiring. Teaching with this much heart speaks volumes about you.
Your recent post hit deep: how as a kid, you wished to be an adult to travel freely (especially those 620-mile Lagos→Kano trips). Your reflection moved me more missing childhood, when your parents monitored you, pushed you to excel, and those high expectations, though tough, were love. Profound truth!
Your words took me back to my late ’80s/early ’90s childhood—no internet, chess learned through Chess Informants, magazines, books and point-based games. My coach would call out moves, then we’d analyze positions like detectives. Nail the right move? Earn points based on complexity. Magical afternoons!
Like you, I treasure that era, epic Kasparov vs. Karpov clashes, their later matches ending in 12-12 ties after Kasparov became the 13th World Champion. Warm memories, though life steered me from the board.
Thanks for the nostalgia, Sam. You’ve inspired me to write about my chess-woven childhood. Keep shining—your voice is a gift to us all!
Warmly,
@psicologopoeta.