Chess, not checkers

My son and I just “played” chess. He’s five, so it was more of a lesson in a game I love, but having the time with him and sharing this sacred art of devising strategy and executing was precious. He was into in; for a few years now – thanks to my wife who bought the starter set – he and I have had short overviews of where pieces can move and how they can take an opponents piece. He remembered more than I thought he would which actually made the game more fun for me. Sure, he has very little concept of knowing how to balance offense and defense, but having this time with him, having him focused and curious, almost brought tears to my eyes. When I had him in checkmate and I extended my hand to shake his – a true gentleman’s game – he hesitantly shook it and wanted to give me a hug. There was a tear in his eye. I thought he was crying because he had lost or was simply tired. He said he was crying because he was happy. He was happy that he was learning.

Now, if I can impart the relevance of chess and its obvious distinction as an allegory for life to my son, I have more than done my job as a parent. Ok, not totally true, but feel me for a minute: I want my kid to think and then execute. I want him to be assertive – not necessarily aggressive. I want him to and understand defense is equally critical as offense. I want him to strategize and have people around him who have different reasons or purposes in his life. He needs to play his position and understand that everybody else has a role. Some are foot soldiers (pawns), some are generals (rooks, knights, bishops), and the queen, THE QUEEN, is most important and powerful piece he needs to be successful. A good queen will stand by his side. A good queen will devour any opponents who steps in his path. A good queen will sacrifice herself and he should reciprocate. Love her and protect her at all costs.