Chess for Stress

Are you looking for a new activity or hobby that is challenging - one that can combat daily stress in your life? Chess is an ancient, universal game that has stood the test of time as a supreme test of strategy and intellect. This is not a revelation for anyone who plays the game regularly, or aspires to become an expert, but Chess has far more to offer than just pure intellectual gamesmanship. In the process of playing chess you can achieve a form of self awareness and concentration that is unique. You can exercise your mind and reduce stress in a healthy fashion. It also has parallels with sporting contests where determination, concentration, and competitive desire are important, but without a demand for athletic prowess. The simple appeal of the game is that once you learn how the pieces move you can begin to enjoy its mysteries. Forget about your skill level, and just enjoy the process of playing a game. You can learn and improve your game constantly without concern for ratings or contests, although if you have the ability and desire superlative competition is always available. In this internet age you can join an internet Chess club for a very reasonable membership fee. The beauty of a site such as The Internet Chess Club is that you can play a game at any time (24/7) with others from across the globe, including shorter speed Chess games for those with time constraints. The comprehensive software employed by the chess site records your games, calculates your rating, and takes care of the playing rules (no one can cheat or unintentionally break the rules). There are also tremendous learning resources including game libraries, and teaching sessions. You can play in tournaments, and observe chess masters playing in online events or even receive instruction from them. All of this was unthinkable in the days of physical chess board games only, where games could be few and far between unless you belonged to a club. You can also enjoy many online chess communities and resources while interacting with many others who enjoy the game. Now is your chance to brush up against royalty with Kings and Queens awaiting your commands by learning Chess!

There have been many movies made that include chess scenes, but there are two Chess movies that can be enjoyed by all. One is called Searching for Bobby Fisher released in 1993 that chronicles the real life struggles of chess champion Joss Waitzkin, and the Luzhin Defence released in 2000 that stars John Tuturro as an eccentric Russian chess master.

"The oldest recovered chess piece was found in Persia, and is dated to 790 A.D." This and other odd bits relating to the Oldest in Chess can be found on this page by Bill Wall.


Tags:
Chess, stress, strategy, games