que pasa

I never thought that I would write about this. But as I walked past this little river park I saw so many people gathered around this little square. Curiosity aroused, I decided to investigate. There were these makeshift tables setup and men were playing chess or cards on them.

What was interesting was that there was a very significant spectating crowd and they were all men. I do not know if it is because it is due to statistics (i.e. there are so many more men to women that naturally the crowd will be all men) or because men are drawn to games like that.

I have never thought chess to be particularly interesting. But that is probably why I did not see women in the crowd - the game is not really a big deal to the ladies (or most ladies in general). Yet for these men, they were actively involved in the match. You could see their brows furrowed as they played the game in their heads.

This particular game I was observing was in its final moments, with the offensive player left with five pieces (including the king), two of which were used to launch the offense on the defensive player (who was left with three). The defensive player was getting a lot of advice from the spectators. One even moved the pieces for him. Eventually they reached stalemate - the offensive player would not win unless he moved an additional piece - and so the game concluded.

I have never seen more than people so involved in a game of chess. The game is obviously a popular pastime here. It is very much in the culture of these people to just whip up a few stools, place a chessboard and start playing in the open. I bet some of these folks come down specially to the park just to play.

I did notice that all the men gathered were middle aged. Perhaps the youth are not catching on. Perhaps we do not take enough time to think. Or maybe chess is a game that really gets to you when you reach a certain age. Regardless, yesterday’s was quite a sight and maybe this is how they develop strategic acumen in their blood.