CHECKMATE Smart Parenting, July-Aug 2003 Vol. 1 No. 3 How Saturday chess games developed ones child’s self-esteem and a family’s love for an age-old sport   by Cynthia Nazario Sometime last October, our family was craving for some fresh lumpia when we bumped into a group of boys playing chess. It happened to be the Milo chess clinic, and our eight-year old-old son Marc was just at the right age bracket to start learning the game. I asked Marc if he wanted to join. And though his reply wasn’t so enthusiastic, he agreed. That seemingly uneventful afternoon was the start of our family’s adventure into the wonderful world of chess. Saturday games Saturday after Saturday, we would drive to his chess class, no matter the traffic or the weather. The kids, ages, five to 14, were as similar as they were diverse. They would run around and chase one another during breaks, play with their toys, and enjoy their favorite snacks. But when the games begin, they immediately lose themselves in the 64 squares of the chessboards. Their focus is so intense, their concentration so deep, that not even the non-stop concert of the road musicians or the searing afternoon heat could distract them. The switch is often distinct and dramatic like black and white: from screaming rascals to critical thinkers. Unbelievable but fascinating! Each game can last from one to two hours with each kid playing up to three games in one session. Imagine these “kiti-kiti” kids sitting still for up to six hours, excusing themselves only to answer the call of nature. Friendships bloom during these sessions. One time a young player took his loss so seriously that he was close to tears and could not leave his seat. His fiends consoled and supported him, giving him hope and encouragement. They told him that it was just one game and he can try better next time. A universe of black and white Chess has a lingo of its own. And it’s amazing how young kids can be so at home with the sport’s oftentimes confusing language. They would point out a player’s inability to “occupy the 7 th rank” or to “castle” early enough or to “sacrifice” the queen for a sure mate. That’s because each player must record his every move. This requires a certain discipline and a level of expertise. Each player necessarily has to memorize the symbol for each piece and each position, and write down his move in his record book. Contrary to popular belief that chess is a “passive” game, chess is a most dynamic and rigorous game. It is exacting like science but creative like the arts. The rules of the game are fixed, yet the possible moves are as varied and wide as one’s imagination and creativity would allow. I read that in the first ten moves alone, the number of possible positions have been calculated to reach 36 digits. Sportsmanship is inherent in the game. Players shake hands before and after each game. Losing is as much a part of the game as winning. And whenever time would allow, the players would analyze their games, discussing why and how they won or lost. Chess is a leveler of genders. While boys still outnumber girls in chess, the performance of each is independent of sexual category. Although some say that boys tend to be more analytical and girls more creative, both land on equal footing as chess requires both types of thinking process. Not just of gender, but of age as well. In one of the tournaments, I saw a tiny boy who tagged along with his father who was an arbiter. I wonder how his father could attend to him, having seen how busy an arbiter could get during a game. Before I knew it, they young preschooler was demolishing the older players in the tournament. It was an effort for this little boy een to “climb” to his seat and how we laughed when he blurted out, “Di ako alam mag-lecold.” He has mastered his chess strategies earlier than his “r’s”. Family affair Chess has given our family new and exciting experiences never before known to us. There was the simulchess, where a higher-ranked player would play with several players. In one occasion, International Master Mark Paragua played with some 30 young chess players of various levels simultaneously! He won all the games except for two, which ended in a draw. I also saw Marc play “blindfold” chess with Jojo Dy, coach of de la Salle. They played without a chessboard but only made known their moves by stating their positions. Mind-boggling indeed!   Last summer, Marc enrolled in Chess-mathics, a novel approach that combines chess with mathematics. Come to think of it, chess and math share a lot in common: logic, analysis, problem-solving and manipulative skills. Chess-mathics explores yet another dimension to chess, not only as a game, but as an academic and learning tool as well. The program was derived from Canada, one of the few countries that have integrated chess with math in their school curriculum.   A boy transformed Marc is a boy transformed. While he shied away from the other kids during the first few meetings. He can now carry conversations with his chess classmates. My heart would jump with joy every time I see him talking animatedly with his friends. He also moves more confidently now. Like ay mom, I am just too proud when he wins awards during tournaments. But more importantly, I feel that the socialization, the sportsmanship, the communication skills, the reading habits, and the patience he developed from his chess experience are worth much more than any medal or certificate. ¨   CHESS IS IT! Chess Asia Vol. 17 No. 2 ISSN0116-2802 Chess is an “equal-opportunity” game. It provides a level playing field regardless of race, age, gender, physical built or social status by Cynthia Nazario For about one year now, our family’s weekend activities have almost always revolved around chess. Our son, Marc Christian, learned the game late last year (2002) and from then on, our lives had taken a different tack – one that’s definitely more exciting. Chess has brought us many enriching and enjoyable experiences. We have discovered nice little places where chess is played. We have been to few out-of-town trips and have made many new and interesting friends. We even sometimes see our names in the papers. We have also been educated on the do’s and don’ts of the game, added a few words to our sports terminologies and met some of the country’s chess stars. We’ve also been awed by the permutations of the game, such as simulchess and blindfold chess. Amazingly, it took our youngest son, who came more than ten years after our second, to introduce us to the many wonders of this exquisite and exciting game. Exquisite because as far as I know, this is the only game where the adjective “elegant” is ascribed to, and exciting – as many chess parent or enthusiast would swear. It requires not just a sharp and analytical mind, wit and style; it also unleashes one’s “killer instinct” in a positive way. What exactly makes chess a great game? As many research studies show, kids who play chess are smarter and have more fun. It improves one’s logical, critical and creative thinking. It also increases both mathematical and language skills. Many parents attest to this. Von, a sixth-grader, got remarkably higher grades when go got into chess. MJ improved his math. Franz has become more serious and diligent in his studies. Twins Joshua Kirk and Justin Keith belong to the advanced section, both for academic and technical categories. Revin is in the honor roll. All land on top of their respective classes. Chess also cultivates camaraderie among the players. The kids would eat together, play computer games together, and simply have fun together. One time, a young player took his loss so seriously that he was close to tears and would not leave his seat. His chess buddies consoled and supported him, telling him to do better in the next three games. It was so touching because these boys, who can fiercely battle one another in the chessboard, didn’t allow competition to get in the way of their friendship. I thought it was so gracious, many of us should learn from them. As a lover of languages myself, I am impressed with how these young pawn-pushers can drop a smattering of foreign words and phrases, like French, German or Italian, very casually. Not only can they spell en passant or zugzwang or fianchetto, they also know what they mean. And to think that I had to sweat it out through many a language course to achieve some kind of “culture” in my vocabulary. Indeed, chess can improve language skills. A young coach once shared with me that apart from other things, chess also improved his English. English? Chess? What’s the connection, I asked. Well, he said, because he enjoyed the game so much, he also enjoyed reading chess books and magazines, eventually developing a reading habit. He read a lot, in the process, increased his vocabulary and increased his comprehension, resulting in a better command of the English language. Neat, isn’t it? In fact, I have seen how chess can be a language all by itself. Once I’ve seen how an American kid immensely enjoyed playing with the local boys, without understanding a single word in Filipino. Our chess-playing kids can go to various parts of the globe and relate to people of different nationalities, simply by expressing themselves by way of the universal language of chess. And of course, chess is an opportunity to travel! Since the only way to develop world-class champions is to pit them against the best players in the world through international competitions, promising players are sent to different parts of the world to test their mettle. Many of our chess players are gaining prominence in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Yet another wonder of chess is how our players are made to “sway” to the varying tempos of chess. Competition chess can last between 15 minutes to two hours – per player. That’s 30 minutes up to four hours every singly game. Imagine these kids sitting still for that many hours with their world focused solely on the chessboard? On the other hand, there’s this game called blitz, where each player is given only five minutes. He has to plan, strategize, attack, defend, analyze all at the same time within the required duration. What better application of time management and decision-making skills could there be? Serious chess players are also disciplined to “win” whether the game was won or lost, by teaching them to “gain from the pain.” This means that they have to look back and analyze lost games (no matter how hurtful it could be) to avoid similar blunders in future matches. I have also observed that players make a conscious effort to learn not only from their own mistakes, but from those of others as well. Now, if we could apply that discipline in our daily lives… I have observed, too, that chess is an “equal-opportunity” game. It provides a level playing field regardless of race, age, gender, physical built or social status. No height requirement, no age limit, no expensive uniforms required. Having realized what a good game chess is, I wonder why chess does not get the attention it so much deserves. How come our leaders have not set their sight on developing chess to a level like basketball or billiards or bowling? Aside from the fact that it has the potential to save our education system from the sorry state it is in (numerous studies show that chess improves academic performance), it can also be used as a positive alternative to address some of society’s ills. Giving the youth a rewarding activity could put their minds away from such evils as petty crimes or substance abuse. What more, compared to other sports, very little investment is needed to bring chess to each of the country’s barangay or elementary school. No fancy equipment, no gym or court necessary. Only a cheap checkered board with 64 squares! And who knows, chess it is that could make our country proud in the international sports arena?   Marc Christian Nazario: Bringing out his best through chess by Christine Anne Makabayan Even as a very young child, Marc Christian, the youngest in the Nazario brood of three boys, strives to do his best and to give his best in whatever he does. Teacher Linda, his pre-school teacher, noticed early on how he would always put his mind in whatever he was doing, paying attention even to the small details. She pointed out how his seatwork would stand out because they were always neat and meticulously done. In Sunday School, his mom was surprised when Marc’s teacher pulled her aside to thank her for having such a nice and well-behaved boy. She noted how he would never leave his seat unless he finished his work well, even if the others were already playing and running around. Respected columnist and chess scholar Manny Benitez, who used to match wits with this 11-year old gifted child for the past two years, off and on, says of him, “Marc’s behavior, at the board or elsewhere, is impeccable – a little gentleman in a gentleman’s game.” It is interesting to note that unlike other children who learned chess from their father or other family member, Marc discovered the basic moves all by himself by tinkering with his mom’s handheld computer when he was eight years old. To the surprise of his family, he soon asked his dad, Uly Nazario, a civil-chemical engineer, to buy him a chess set. He soon enrolled in Milo Chess Clinic under WIM Mila Emperado and later on got instructions at various times from chess masters like GMs Eugene Torre and Bong Villamayor, IM Jayson Gonzales, and NMs Erwin Carag, Robert Arellano, Robert Suelo and Roland Andador. His love for chess has brought him to different places in the Philippines and abroad, where he never failed to bring home medals and trophies upon return. This summer, he went to the United States where he joined some important chess events, including the historic Global Chess Challenge in Minneapolis, by far, the world’s biggest open chess tournament. He also played in scholastics chess, finishing first at the Kings and Queens Scholastics Chess in Skokie, Chicago on June 5 and at the Coastside Scholastics in Half Moon Bay, California on July 10. He also won fifth in a tie for third in the US National Junior Open in Mason, Ohio from June 10 to 12, and second in the annual Providian Scholastics held by the Mechanics Chess Club in San Francisco on July 29. He also played in the Grand Prix Open in New York, the World Open in Philadelphia, Charles Bagby Memorial in San Francisco, and the Chicago Open in Oak Brook, Illinois. In April this year, Marc was named Candidate Master by FIDE, the world’s highest chess-governing body, and so far, one of only seven young chess players in the world. Very recently, Marc was also chosen winner in the Award of Excellence in Sports, a Metro Manila-wide search for athletes with exceptional ability and good sportsmanship, sponsored by the international medial outfit, Cartoon Network (his favorite channel), in cooperation with the Department of Education, Culture and Sports. He also received a “Plaque of Recognition” from his mother’s hometown, Calauan, Laguna, for bringing honor to the town and being an inspiration to others. Last year, Marc became a member of the Philippine Association for the Gifted (PAG), after having been tested to have a “superior performance” by Dr. Elizabeth Ventura, PAG president and head of the UP Department of Psychology in Diliman. At age 10, he earned the distinction of becoming the youngest member of the Philippine Artists Chess, the longest running chess club in the country and an exclusive organization of chess-playing visual and performing artists, writers and journalists headed by noted environmentalist, writer and chessplayer Odette Alcantara. He is also the youngest member of “64 Golden Men of Philippine Chess.” Aside from chess, Marc enjoys doing home video presentations, another skill he learned by himself. His brothers Ted and Bill were simply amazed when he started to use a complicated digital editing program to make video presentations, complete with transitions, music and sound effects. Again, on his own, he toyed around with the program until he learned the basic steps. He went on to edit and enhance photos using different computer applications and very soon, he was also typing using the “touch system.” He also studied finger math and took basic voice lessons. Occasionally, Marc plays the keyboard in family and special gatherings (this Christmas, Marc and other kiddie chess players will display their skills other than chess when they go Christmas caroling to help generate funds for their chess training). His mother, Chi Nazario, a water and environmental consultant before she became a full-time chessmom, thinks chess has got something to do with the enhancement of her son’s memory and creative abilities. After his Vietnam tournament last year, his mom told him how she found the names of our Asian brothers “quite foreign” and how she barely recalled any one of them. Thus, his mom was almost floored when he started to recall complete names as if he were reading from an imaginary list, all twenty-eight of them! Names of his opponents, both in Vietnam and during his previous year’s tournament in Brunei, his new friends, even names of his mom’s friends and their children! Mom Chi also narrated how Marc, during their “creative sharing time,” could tell “silly stories” that were both clever and funny. Recently, they have started writing together chess poems and stories about his chess experiences. Marc also uses his computer knowledge and artistic skill to help raise funds for his chess training and tournaments. Last year, he designed T-shirts using digital photography and editing to sell to their relatives and friends. While making good stride in chess and in other fields, Marc is likewise doing well in his academics. An honor student, he had been accelerated from Grade 4 last year to Grade 6 this year. He is also one of the model students in his school, Cornerstone Academy in Quezon City. Whenever he finds the chance, Marc shares his talent with others. His mother recalls that about three years ago, when he was just starting to learn the game, Marc excitedly told her that he beat his Kuya Michael in chess. Asked if their driver played chess, Marc told her that he taught him to. His other early “students” were his mom’s secretary, Liza, and their helper (who also eventually learned to play the keyboard under Marc). In fact, when his Ate Allen went home for the Christmas holidays, she brought home a chess set for her brothers, with the hope that one day, they, too, would realize their dream of going through college by way of a chess scholarship. Since last year, Marc has been sharing his knowledge, and his love for the game, by teaching his schoolmates at Cornerstone (both elementary and high school divisions) chess basics every Friday afternoons. He has also been tapped by his barangay to impart the benefits of chess to out-of-school youth and elementary school children. In his own little way, Marc makes us realize that as each of us is a special creation, each of us has a special gift, and that we can use this gift to try to bring out the best in us, despite any difficulty or physical handicap that we might have. In his case, he uses chess, the game he enjoys, to be able share and to give of himself to others, despite a congenital hearing problem. With all the achievements and accolade he has gained at such an early age, Marc clearly shows us that, indeed, we multiply our “gifts” when we share them with others.   MARC CHRISTIAN NAZARIO: NURTURING GOD’S GIFTS Each of us is unique and special. God created us in his image, but each of us is distinct in a certain way. Marc is one such child. He was born with a hearing impairment because his ears have no holes. Yet, despite this disability, Marc strives to do his best and give his best in whatever he does. Early on, his pre-school teacher noticed how he always paid attention even to small details. His seatwork would always be neat and carefully prepared, and he would always love to perform for his class during moving up and Christmas programs. In Sunday School, his teacher thanked his mom for having a conscientious and well-behaved boy. She noted how he would never leave his seat unless he finished his work well, even if the others were already playing and running around. Marc is also a self-starter. When he was eight years old, he asked his parents to buy him a chess set. His family was surprised because none of them taught him the game. It turned out that he was playing with the chess program in his mother’s handheld computer, and before long, he discovered the basic moves all by himself. At first hesitant, he later on agreed to enrol in a chess clinic to learn more about the game. Not long after, he was beating his Kuya Ted and Kuya Bill, and eventually, his dad. He would eagerly join chess tournaments, and study under chess masters like GM Eugene Torre and Bong Villamayor. Soon he got noticed by veteran chess players, and some of his games were analyzed and even published. In less than three years, Marc was named Candidate Master by the World Chess Federation, the world’s highest chess-governing body. He reaped medals and awards in the Philippines and abroad. Locally, he has played in different parts of Metro Manila , Quezon, La Union , Cavite , Negros Occidental, Pampanga, Bulacan and Batangas. Internationally, he has competed in the United States , Vietnam and Brunei , bringing honor to our flag and country. His chess competence did not happen overnight. While God gifted him with an exceptional ability in chess, Marc also put in a lot of discipline, patience and hard work to improve his game. Normally, he would study chess for three hours every day by reading books, playing computer chess games and reviewing his previous games. Whenever he finds the time, he plays with higher rated players in various chess clubs. In his search for chess excellence, Marc meets different challenges and makes some sacrifices along the way. In a birthday party, his mom noticed that he would throw glances at the other children trying to beat one another in the “bring me” contest while he was playing chess with much older guests. He tried to play fast but by the time he finished, the parlor games were over. At another time, while playing in a week-long out-of-town tournament, they stayed in a barely furnished lodging house and while resting, he tried to amuse himself by singing his favorite Christian songs over and over again. In the United States , he would willingly wake up at different times during the night to change buses or to catch a connecting flight. Despite these hardships, however, Marc never complained but always remained cheerful and highly spirited. Sometimes, he would experience dizziness but by God’s grace, he has never allowed his discomfort to pull him out of scheduled plays. Once, his mother already requested the organizer in Lucena, about four hours from their place, to withdraw his advance registration. Still, Marc insisted on coming, but agreed that he would not play if he wasn’t feeling quite well. He slept during most of the trip, but was up and about when they reached the tournament venue. He went on to win third place in that weekend regional tournament. And since chess training and tournaments can be expensive, Marc tries to help raise much needed funds, especially for his international competitions. One time, he designed T-shirts and helped sell them. He also keeps his cash prizes to buy chess books and CDs. Aside from chess, Marc also enjoys doing home video presentations, another skill he learned by himself. His brothers were simply amazed when he started to use a complicated digital editing program to make video presentations, complete with transitions, music and sound effects. Again, on his own, he tinkered with the program until he learned the basic steps. He went on to edit and enhance photos using different computer applications. Very soon, he was also typing using the “touch system.” He also studied finger math and took basic voice lessons. Occasionally, Marc plays the keyboard. He studied the organ but could play other pieces that are not part of his lessons. He would read notes by himself and would play songs that were not taught in class. While making good strides in chess and in other fields, Marc is likewise doing well in his academics. He had been accelerated one level on his fourth grade and still maintained superior grades in Grade Six. He is also one of the model students in his school, Cornerstone Academy in Quezon City . Last year, he became a member of the Philippine Association for the Gifted, after having been tested to have a “superior performance.” At age 10, he also became the youngest member of the Philippine Artists Chess, an exclusive organization of chess-playing visual and performing artists, writers and journalists. Whenever he finds the chance, Marc shares his talent with others. He teaches chess basics to his schoolmates on Friday afternoons and coaches other teams during school division meets. He has also been tapped by his barangay to impart the benefits of chess to out-of-school youth and elementary school children, and once, by the Kabalikat ng Chess Foundation to train interested youngsters. On some occasions, he even shares his prize money with his chess friends in need. In his own little way, Marc makes us realize that as each of us is a special creation, each of us has a special gift, and that we can all do something to develop our God-given talents and abilities, in spite of any difficulties or physical handicaps we might have. Moreover, he clearly shows us that we can multiply our “gifts” by sharing them with others. * * *