Friday, October 21, 2005
Chess
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.
11:35 Posted in Games | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this
Friday, March 18, 2005
Ultimate
From the moment I woke up till I reached the office, I found myself smiling goofily at the thought of my evening programme. Silly Doc invited A and I to play ultimate at the Chopsticks!
(To find out more about ultimate, click here)
Here is why I am looking forward to game later:
I like the game and everything associated with it
I look forward to our Sunday sessions. It is the only regular workout I have to my name. I get to hang out with other friends (not phil). It is at the beach, so it is nice and breezy. Seems like one of the more gender-equitable sports too.
It is different each week
We have occasional obstacles on the pitch - like occasional squatters (think family picnics), or tarpaulins set up for coporate events. Usually we play around them, but sometimes it is just too tough (who wants to run into a metal pole?), so we find an alternative pitch. But now we seem to have somehow marked the pitch as ours, so few people hinder our game these days.
New people
New friends, similar interest. Why not? In any case, it is a small world, and you never know who you might meet there.
Sink or swim?
Silly Doc says that the people at the chopsticks are the same standard as us. I bet they are much better. So, I have been wondering the whole morning if A and I will be able to keep up. Maybe we think too highly of ourselves. Oh well, no harm checking out the local standard right?
Exercise
We have been encouraged to live a healthy livestyle. So here is another challenge to look forward to, and another workout to add to the week (ha! that makes two!)
OK, time to play.
12:25 Posted in Games | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email this