Chessplayers Anonymous?

Submitted by Anda on Thu, 01/17/2008 at 1:11pm.

Ever since my first husband taught me this great game, I've been hooked.  That was back in the 1960's.  You'd think I'd be pretty good by now, but I'm not.  I'm average at best, with spurts of great moves, but, more often, really careless, poorly thought out moves.  Nevertheless, good or bad, win or lose, I simply love this game.

For quite a while, I took a hiatus from chess -- oh, for the past ten years or so. My main chess opponents moved away, or got married and had other interests.  Amazingly, I actually managed to live without chess for those years.

Then I discovered Chess.com and everything changed.  The thrill of it!  I was like a kid who'd found a new playmate -- ten new playmates, twenty!  And all of them willing to come out and play at different times, day or night.  I couldn't wait until everyone else in the household had settled down for the night and I could be alone with my computer and whatever playmates had "dropped in" for a game. That was all well and good, but I soon saw that this had some negative consequences.  First I decided I had to stop playing at 10:00, then I let it go until 11:00, and then it extended to midnight and beyond.  That was wreaking havoc with my health. I was draaaaaaaaaaaagging the next day, whether I had to be at work or do things around the house.  Does anyone else have this problem -- realizing one should stop playing, but being unable to pull the plug on a game?  I realize the games will be there tomorrow, ready to continue, but I always think, "Just one more move..... just one more move.....just one more move....."

 Perhaps I should look for a 12-step Chessplayers Anonymous, eh?

» posted in Anda's Blog
 

Comments:

by carterbig - 3 months ago
Rosamond, California United States
Member Since: Nov 2007
Member Points: 8

I think chess, and games of skill are especially intoxicating because they give us the thing we want most - to strengthen the illusion that we can control things, accomplish things by our own reason and strength.  Of course, it is only an illusion.

by lukeyboy_xx - 4 months ago
london England
Member Since: Dec 2007
Member Points: 4533

i agree i find this site very addictive!

by alicorn - 4 months ago
Hauula,Hawaii United States
Member Since: Jun 2008
Member Points: 46

Ms. Anda everything you said about this game is true, maybe I should look into one of those, what do you call it parental-restriction things put on mine.

by Anda - 4 months ago
Roslyn, PA United States
Member Since: Aug 2007
Member Points: 133

I think we're all in this together! I'm fortunate in having a computer-geek friend who was able to install a "parental restriction" on my computer. It automatically cuts off this site at 11:00 PM. Lacking any self-discipline whatever, I'm glad modern technology came to the rescue, and I'm glad I have a friend who knew how to install it.

by alicorn - 4 months ago
Hauula,Hawaii United States
Member Since: Jun 2008
Member Points: 46

Mrs Anda everything you said is so true, about the late night games, the one more moves. You have just described me. Am I a junky? My lady tells me I'm hook.

by waleschess - 6 months ago
wales Wales
Member Since: Feb 2008
Member Points: 10

Hi , I  have now retied and I try and go on line at 7pm some times if I have no orders from my wife ie( Do the garden , paint  the rooms ) go to the shops

 

and if I am not playing golf I try and play the game Wink

 


by kal1111 - 7 months ago
Canada
Member Since: Mar 2008
Member Points: 58
I agree with chef_d. Addictive!!!
by chef_d - 7 months ago
Texas United States
Member Since: May 2008
Member Points: 16

Let me know when you organize the 12 step meeting!!

 


by RobRoyale - 9 months ago
Samoa Pago Pago
Member Since: Oct 2007
Member Points: 17

I would imagine most players on this site share the same sentiments with you, Anda.  I think it's very normal but definitely can zap your energy for the next day.   Wink

 Royale


by RedSoxpawn - 11 months ago
Birmingham, Alabama United States
Member Since: Nov 2007
Member Points: 5417
I find I have the same problem with my chess playing
 

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