“A pernicious excitement to learn and play chess has spread all over the country, and numerous clubs for practicing this game have been formed in cities and villages. Why should we regret this? It may be asked. We answer, chess is a mere amusement of a very inferior character, which robs the mind of valuable time that might be devoted to nobler acquirements, while it affords no benefit whatever to the body. Chess has acquired a high reputation as being a means to discipline the mind, but persons engaged in sedentary occupations should never practice this cheerless game; they require out-door exercises—not this sort of mental gladiatorship.”
As quoted in Scientific American, July 2009
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Smitty’s Chess Corner
Thought I’d post a pointer to Smitty’s Chess Corner. Smitty, a regular at the Metrowest Chess Club, is justifiably proud of recently breaking the 1600 rating barrier. He’s been writing a series of blogs about Metrowest Chess Club champions.
I added Smitty’s blog to my list of MCC blogs on the sidebar.