CHESS, EDUCATION, AND CULTURE
My name is Jeff and I am an ex-Toyota employee (Labor relations and shop floor management) and now business consultant for those choosing to learn the Toyota System. I have had the opportunity to play chess with equipment layout, material volumes, and policy decisions for years. I had also played the real game back in my college days at
The one constant the game provides is relationship building between individuals, cutting across many barriers in society. So, I decided to pick the game up again five years ago in my late 30’s. I found that I still played bad but enjoyed it anyway. I even hired a coach (I actually got to the point of understanding GM games-wow)—she still tells me to castle, but I never liked doing that so I found openings where one could skip castling sometimes-Sicilian Sveshnikov. To be honest, when I do not castle early I am toast.
I also decided to take up chess sponsorship on a consistent basis to see if it had any positive impact on people. I found several players who were not only highly rated but good communicators / teachers. There is a difference. At
I’ll keep it short. I first noticed this chess culture at a little center in
Over and over, event after event, the same inspiration was found on the faces of people. I observed these teachers demonstrate the same high quality of character and joy of what I would describe as chess culture with all the participants. This was more than business to them—it’s a way of Life. Just like my experience with teachers at
Another example comes from
Oh yes, how about this little web event. I am an addict of this Sicilian line of play and pleaded with Gregory and GM Judit Polgar (well—she is the best Woman player ever and has beat Kasparov, and has been in the top of all chess players for over 20 years-became a GM back when I still learning basic math) to have a tiny internet match for a week. We will use the MonRoi system to make games available to everyone who has internet connection—sign up free at Monroi.com (My King) run by Brana and her sister Zeljka—- Look out for MonRoi CEO Brana as she is an ex-Electrical Engineer and a good chess player- and has a really good idea with this product to help others.
So…these two people (Greg & Judit) who are top GM’s in anyone’s book, will slug it out for a week so us mere mortals can enjoy the sometimes sharp play of the open Sicilian e4, c5. I look forward to this week and so should you. I paid them some money- not what they are worth, but they did it anyway—there is that example of good character front and center again.
Finally, the ability to transform the nature of our youth & adults into those qualities that are the best of our nature (Humanity) – come through living examples: demonstrating right thought, feeling, speech, and action to bring about the kind of Culture we all aspire to in our relationships. I see these Teachers bring this out in others.
Why?-because it’s a part of their nature. Are they perfect? No, but they sure are headed in the right direction. Help me support their good work (there are many more in chess than the few people I mentioned as in all disciplines) by giving them a shot at doing events like this one or even different in nature. Support your local chess teachers who embody the Culture we aspire to have in our society. If you dropped the game after a few or many years give it another shot. You will find yourself building some new relationships and positively connecting with others.
Judit Polgar vs. Gregory Kaidanov
February 22-24, 2010
Sicilian Theme Match (Dragon, Scheveningen, Najdorf or Sveshnikov), GM Judit Polgar vs. GM Gregory Kaidanov, 4 Classical 90min /40 move games, Possible Blitz playoff.
Purpose: Make a fun match for all to enjoy on the Internet. Onsite invitation only, closed to general view. The match will be webcast on the Internet.
Host: Jeff Smith, Business Consultant. Jeff supports chess as a hobby and enjoys seeing others benefit from the game.
Match Budget: 22K with a prize fund of 16K. 100% prize money funded by Mr. Smith.
Sponsor: Houseofstaunton.com
Judit looks like Zsofia in the picture with Jeff!
An exciting Event!
It’ll be a lopsided match.
A great idea that is actually going to happen! Thanks to Jeff from Toyota. Great teachers deserve all our recognition and support. You couldnt ask for better than GM Kaidanov and Judit playing an Open Sicilian match for all fans of good chess.
Judit is very pretty in the photo
Sweet! Thanks Jeff.
I marked the dates on my calender.
I agree. Judit does look like Sophia in the picture.