Chess: More Than a Game

I have always been fascinated by chess since I was a kid. One of my uncles played with me and taught me how each pieces moved. I was so excited to learn! Each piece had its own rules and the game felt like a mysterious puzzle waiting to be solved. Later in school, I chose chess as one of my extracurricular activities, I learned some basic strategies though I've since forgotten most of them due to a lack of practice. Still, those early experiences gave me a lasting appreciation for this game.

For a long time, I found it interesting that chess is considered a sport. After all, you're not really running or jumping, you're mostly sitting and thinking, but I guess it's more about exercising the brain rather than the body. As a teenager, I wasn't completely convinced, but I still admired people were really good at it. There is something impressive about how skilled players can think several moves ahead , almost as if they're reading their opponent's mind!

Chess has always been more than just a game to me.It's about strategy, patience and out-smarting your opponent. I've heard that in many cultures, chess was and still is a popular pastime among princes and high-ranking officials. Maybe It's because the game teaches many valuable skills such as planning ahead and staying calm under pressure.There are probably many reasons why chess is considered beneficial, and I’m sure everyone who plays it has their own.

Recently, I rediscovered chess in an unexpected way. During the 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, my family and I left the capital for a quieter village. The problem was that there was no internet connection there. The only entertainment I had was a chess app on my phone. At first, it was a little frustrating. Even the beginner level felt too hard for me. The AI seemed to predict every move I made and I lost most of the time, but despite that, I began to see the beauty of the game, even when I lost, I'd think to myself "Oh I didn't see that coming!" It was strangely enjoyable, and it made me want to learn more.

I've never really been into sports that much. Running around a field or lifting weights just isn't my thing. But Chess? Maybe that's the one "sport" I can actually enjoy. Next time someone asks me what sport I like, I might just a smile and say, "Well I play chess!" After all, if it's good enough for kings and queens, it's good enough for me.