Chess lesson,
by Leonor Henríquez

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      My brother Rafael (RIP) taught me how to play chess when I was just about six years old.

I hadn’t played in a lifetime, but someone close asked me if I could teach him, and so I did.

I explained the basics, how to place the pieces on the board and the movements of each one. I emphasized to him that the game consists of ensuring that the opponent’s King has no possible escape.

Recently, this person told me that he was ready for a game.

We sat face to face. He chose the white ones and of course, I was that confident, I had no problem with him coming out first.

The battle began.

In my desire to educate him, I began to offer him my comments.

• Let’s see, remember that, in each move of the opponent, you have to evaluate which pieces he is threatening you and what the intention is.

He listened attentively without saying a word.

• You have to make space for the bishop. You don’t want to take the Queen out prematurely.

From time to time, I heard a faint: Umhaa…

• If you know you’re going to have to backtrack, it’s best not to spend a turn on it.
• Umhaa…
• You have to try to leave space for the Towers so that they can support each other, because that is how they are powerful.

I was amazed at my opponent’s attention span.

Then suddenly, in the middle of my speech, I heard:

• Checkmate, Nana.
• What? – I said.

Indeed, my King had no escape.

My seven-year-old grandson Tomás burst out laughing and told me:

• Nana, you have to talk less and pay more attention.

The best chess and life lesson I have ever received.

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