Chess Friendships

Our city is blessed to have a man named Bill who has been organizing area club chess for sixteen years. There is a place to play chess every day of the week not counting weekends. The various locations include, a pizza shop, a bank, a hot dog place, a community college, a department store, a grocery store, a mall, and a senior center. Bill says 1700 persons have come though his club. He and volunteers keep track of wins and losses and maintain club ratings.

Tonight we were at the place called Rudy's Hot Dogs. One of Toledo's coolest chess families was there tonight. They are a grandfather, son, and grandson. I believe all three play in local USCF tournaments. I got to play the grandfather. He is a kind and friendly man.

There is a saying, "The only thing chess players have in common is chess."

Even so chess can be a gateway to friendship.

Here is an old spiritual story reworked for a chess club.

A new chess player showed up at the chess club.

"What kind of people play chess here?" He asked.

The president responded, "What kind of people were they in your old chess club?"

The new player said, "They were arrogant difficult people, judgmental and unfriendly."

"You will find the same kind of people here." The president replied.

He went away angry.

Then another new player showed up.

"What kind of people are they that play in this club?" He asked.

The president responded, "What kind of people were they in your old chess club?"

The player said, "They were wonderful. They were warm friendly, and helpful."

"You will find the same kind of people here." Said the president.

And they lived happily ever after.