Chess

It is originated from Indian and Persian. Not sure which one is first. When we say chess, most people would think of Kasparov. The man who had illustrated the chess world in 80's and 90's with his invincibility. I started to play chess when I was 10 as far as i could remember. However not until 11 before i took up chess as a serious hobby. All because of one book 'Chess for Beginners'. By then i realized chess was more technical and artistic in some way. The book was quite simple to comprehend especially for a 11 years old boy. The only book i relied to win a 3rd place in a district tournament. This won me a ticket to state level tournament.Came out at 21st place.In this tournament i saw somebody who is now International Master and current national no 1 in chess. He was walking in the park rather than playing chess. He is IM Mas Hafizul Hilmi. He has a great potential to be the first Malaysian Grandmaster. But i dont know when. Soon after the tournament i realized that i was too occupied with Chessmaster 5000 game prior to the tournament hoping that i could trained myself with computer. Ignoring the book that inspired me to play chess was a mistake.

Consolidating the fundamentals are the most important in everything we do. Same as chess, i was so anxious back then to try out new openings.Sicilian, Queen's Gambit, French, English you name it. I always remember a phrase in the book, "Look before you leap". Quite a life's lesson really as i read through the book.The result in the state tournament did not hinder me to enjoy chess after that. I rather play with a real person than a computer as interaction with human can be enjoyable as it can be. In secondary school i tried to get active in chess but motivation to get serious was almost next to nothing. For whatever reason, MSSM(Majlis Sukan Sukan Malaysia) had withdrew chess competition since 1998. I am not sure whether they have revived chess in MSSM now.I did go for few tournaments(4 actually).In college not so much, only once. After that chess remained in my closet never revealed itself until recently I bought Chessmaster 9000 for 3 pound. Bargain. Playing with computer is no fun. Awkwardly silent. Staring at the screen for ages to wait for his move would make myself sleepy.Staying focused even for 15 minutes on a task is a tough job when using a computer with INTERNET. Youtube, Emails, YM, News and Blogs are the escapism when a human has no job and commitment. Speaking of chess, it is a mind game which simulates a battle. One has to know when to sacrifice, set decoys, to arrange defence, to plan an attack and of course to predict opponent's moves. Sometimes, subconsciously chess is influential in decision making. Predicting 2-3 steps further, knowing your strong points and sacrificing for long term advantage are the aspects similar to chess game.

One interesting aspect of chess is how mind game is played which overwhelmed the technical aspects of chess. I am fascinated by diversion tactic when you are under attacked.Lets say you are attacked on the right flank, a good chess player will try to defend and try his best to counter at the left flank or centre. This creates diversion hoping to divert his opponent's attention . Speaking of diversion, politicians are good at this. Attacking at every corner you can imagine but one with strong defence and tactic will prevail.

Current polemic as in the news is 'middle-game'. The end game must be interesting as game of diversion is being played. As far as the polemic is concerned, I would predict one with technical evidences would win but it still can end up in stalemate.A stalemate when cry for injustices can be heard everywhere in the country. Because that guy is a 'saint'. I beg to differ!

Playing chess is living your life.Because life is full of tricks and decoys.


'Look before you leap'