Building a Chess Community One Player at a Time

Yes, I got my nails done in a "chessified" way once again. Why not? It has become my trademark for those who know me and a conversation piece for those who don't. These nails are also very practical. Any chess player who sees them feels compelled to ask if I play, and I get the opportunity to invite him to a chess event. Win-win. Just lifting a glass to take a drink with my nails done up this way has simplified my task of finding chess players in my community because I don't even have to ask a person if they play chess anymore. They see my hands and are immediately curious. Fabulous time saver!

I realize that for men, it is not an option to decorate your hands like this, but I think chess hats and shirts would be cool. Since the majority of the chess players I know are introverts, it would certainly be helpful if we could see at a glance who is approachable for a chess game. I first got my nails painted with chess figures on a whim back in June of this year. The response was so positive that I have since redone them in various chess themes whenever I get them done. At the school where I work, everyone knows that I play chess, but when the kids see that I wear chess pants, dresses, or jewelry, they understand that: 1) I love to play chess! and 2) Chess is fun!

This year, about twenty new kids joined my chess club to prepare for our upcoming competition. There is just something contagious about another person's joy. People who don't even know how to play chess and don't like the game (yet) still volunteer to help me set up my annual tournament, and we all have a great time encouraging people to come and play.

So I ask you, do you have a local chess club to meet with others to play? Would you like one? Can you help create one? Several times I have told my story about inviting others to play chess in the park with me, and I have heard other players bemoan not having a chess club. This is your friendly push to:

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." ~Mahatma Gandhi

Start your own chess club!
It's a great way to make new friends.
Have an awesome day!

Cheers!