Yes

by Lolito Tampus

Created on: December 11, 2009   Last Updated: April 04, 2011

Chess is a mental war game played by two individuals who pit each other's wits and intelligence. The main aim is to crumple enemy lines in order to capture the king. It is a brain draining encounter that needs careful planning and advanced thinking. The strategy is to crush the opponent through efficient attacks and solid defenses. The match ends when the king is mated. If one player is weak, the game is over for a short time. But when two woodpushers are strong, the session may take more hours. Long matches happen when reaching  the middle game and the endgame. Except for blitz games, the game needs much time without a chess clock.  And even with a game clock, there is still a need for more time. Most losers want more rematches. Without the chess enthusiasts' awareness, they can consume the whole day!

An aspiring amateur needs a lot of awful time to understand the rules of the game. He studies the movements and functions of each piece. Furthermore, he comprehends varied strategies in order to win games. He finds time to practice by buying a book with puzzles and problems. He adopts openings and defenses of his skill, nature, likes and dislikes. When achieving the status of an excellent player, he seeks for longer time studying the styles of his idolized grandmasters. The game has many intricacies whether in openings, middle games or endgames. Every move is handled with care in order to avoid blunder for a lifetime. One reminder is that, experiencing heartbreaking losses require time to heal and recover.  This goes also with the winners' moments of great jubilation.

There are lots of drawbacks when taking much time playing with chess. In the first place, the game motivates everyone to be aloof, selfish and proud. Only one person is involved during self-studies. Only two individuals are present during games and practices. The mental aspect of man is only exercised. This leaves the other parts of the body to be stale and inutile. It can also cause ulcer for there are times when avid players skip meals. This occurs when aspirants are already concentrated and addicted into it. It encourages violence and depression when one experiences defeat during close contests. It kills enjoyment during family and group reunions. Only two selfish individuals enjoy the exhibition. The call for quality time and togetherness is gone because of chess. This frequently occurs when family concerns are neglected. Priority is opted for playing chess in social gatherings and for participating in gruelling tournaments.

The more time is needed when one envisions to become a national master, international master or a grandmaster. There are lots of wizards waiting to derail the attainment of an ambition. It takes many years to achieve such a feat. Everywhere, there are many other enthusiasts who are also hungry for fortune, fame and glory. The big puzzle is that, the award cannot even pay the prize of hardships and the time spent to reach a goal.

In many ordinary activities, there are instances when household chores are not accomplished, because it is disturbed by chess. There are circumstances when work in the office does not meet deadlines, because it is entertained by chess. There are periods for social interaction with friends and relatives that are postponed because of chess. There are plans plotted  for gym exercises, entertainment and games that are substituted by chess. There are ultimate schedules that are itemized for submitting articles for Helium that are delayed by chess. Oh, what a waste of time!  CHECK?!?!?!?

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