As you all know, chess is one of my favorite hobbies. I've been playing this since I was in first grade. One of my uncles taught me the moves, and later on, one of our teachers found out that I played chess. So, they decided to train me along with my older sister. I was really happy that I found something else besides drawing.
In grade 2, I keep on training to be ready in a competition. I was really happy that but at the same time the guy that steal my place in drawing is there (but he's nice though). I've been really my best this time but he still beats me ಠ◡ಠ. I was really competitive that time. I really want to beat him but when I did beat him twice he congratulates me and it left me wonder that I was the only one who was trying so hard all this time.
In grade three, I was ready to compete at our school. I was first concerned because our institution is regarded as producing some of the best chess players. Later, my sister won first place and was ready to compete at regionals. I was overjoyed for her, and I hope to experience something similar eventually, but my family advised me not to follow my sister because she was falling behind in her studies. Since then, I've learned to toss my game. I wasn't supposed to learn that, but for some reason, I picked it up quickly.
Later on, I quickly realized that it's not fun anymore, and I quit playing in grade 5. Which led me to focus on other things, such as drawing and my studies.
After the pandemic, when relatives were allowed to see their family, one of my cousins became interested in chess for the first time. I was pleased at the time since he approached me to teach him chess. The best thing is that his father was the uncle who instructed me. So, like my other cousin, I'd like to teach him. He's my first pupil, by the way. He already understands the fundamentals of the game, such as the techniques and the overall concept. At first, he didn't want me to teach him; he simply wanted me to play with him while he worked it out. It was so dull since I kept beating him again and over. We completed approximately 15 rounds in roughly half a day. That is how quickly I beat him. After he moved, I simply explained to him the best move he could make to make some progress. So, since then, whenever they visited to our place, we always made time to play. He improved with time, eventually beating me. I was overjoyed and thrilled to be able to share my expertise in what I do best.
In Grade 9, I joined intramurals for the first time after three years of not attending tournaments. I didn't practice much, but I unconsciously won. But that was not fair, and the concept was strange, like if you lose once, you won't be able to play again, and I was like, "Okay? That's a little unfair." This is the first time I've heard that it can be played this way, but because this is a different school, I assumed they did. The fact that I won didn't really change how I felt; in fact, I was quite unhappy because I couldn't utilize my strategies to defeat them and, moreover, the person who played with me the last time used them against me. similar to what? You would think that the strategies she employed were the finest ones I would have used to prevail, but she took the complete opposite action. She used my tactics in order to throw the game and let me win but I'm also using that tactic, cause let's be real here I ain't winning 1st place especially what my mom always told me. But we both have the same thing in mind, to throw the game. We just keep on staring at each other and making useless move until one of us take the bait and that's me. Using that against me, wasn't happy at all, I didn't feel the victory the slightest. Now I know how it felt like if your opponent throws the game and I hate it. I feel sorry for those who played with me and I suddenly throws the game.
In grade 10, I played again and was just chilling. But to my surprise, another person used the same tactic on me. I didn't notice it at first, but in the middle of the of the game, it started showing up. I hate it so much that I want to surrender. I was really excited to play with her because my older sister said she's hard to beat, and I'm literally trying my best, but she just throws her game so that I can win. Man, I felt so stupid, like it kept me wondering, "Am I not worthy to be your opponent?" The worst part is that they keep on congratulating me happily🙂. And everyone starts asking, "Did you win?" which makes me feel bad that I just blankly said yes even though my mind is full of regret. You know the feeling that you lied when you say yes, because the truth is that you lost if she tried.
Therefore, even if you want to help your opponent, please don't do this; this isn't the right way to do it, chess players. Comparable to life, chess is a game of giving and taking. If you wish to help people, don't give them everything; instead, put them through challenges so they may become resilient and find solutions on their own. You cannot run away from the reality that your actions ultimately count.