pride and the game of kings

Shortly after Michelle and I got married, I tried to teach her to play chess. It was a frustrating and short-lived endeavor. We were both highly competetive. Being an intermediate player, I had a strong advantage, and it was tough for Michelle to remain enthusiastic about a game she couldn't win. Moreover, there always seemed to be some activity or other that would take precedence. (We were newlyweds - need I say more?)

I bought Michelle an electronic chess set, thinking that she might be more likely to overcome that beginner's learning curve if she didn't have to endure the humiliation of losing to a human foe. The gift was well-meant - but alas! - it remained in the box untouched, until I wanted a real chess challenge one day and played a few games on it myself.

That was eight or nine years ago. Since then, we have spent our time on ... other hobbies. Like having three kids. (In case anyone gets the wrong impression of Michelle, I will tell you this: we are quite well-matched when it comes to other games, like Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit.)

Now my oldest child is playing chess. She was four when she first spied my book-sized folding set - a gift from my dad when I was thirteen or fourteen. She was thoroughly fascinated when I introduced her to the different pieces and some of the basic rules. The two of us lacked the patience for any in-depth learning to take place - our games consisted mostly of make-pretend, and using the pieces as little dolls. The seeds had been planted, though.

A few months ago, while we were living with my in-laws, Havilah's cousin Kathleen taught Havilah some more, and Havilah was receptive. She learned much about how the pieces move.

Since then, we have been playing, more and more. Havilah now knows how all the pieces move, how they capture other pieces, and some rudimentary defense strategy. She knows what "check" means, and she will sit and contemplate different ways of getting out of check. She enjoys it so much she asks me to play every night now.

Now, here's the climax of the story, the real funny part - have you guessed it? That's right, Havilah has been pressing Mommy to play chess with her. Recently, she has begun teaching Michelle how the pieces move. This evening, my heart warmed to see an historic battle take place on the floor of my living room. Did I mention that Havilah is six years old?

And - significantly - Simcha set up the pieces.