The Long Journey: When Chess Finally Clicked for Me

Chess is a game that has been played for centuries, captivating minds and sparking competitive spirits. For me, the journey to mastering this strategic board game was an evolving one filled with both triumphs and challenges.

Early Introduction and Early Victories

I was taught how to play chess when I was only seven years old. The initial progress was swift; within no time, I dominated family and friends. My childhood victories in local and school tournaments were a testament to my rapid learning curve. However, the journey continued, and as I approached my teenage years, things took a different turn.

Action at a Chess Club

Recall the moment when a family member suggested joining a chess club. This was a turning point. For the first time, I entered rooms filled with chess tables, a realization that there were many people sharing my passion for the game. The competition was tougher than I had imagined, but it was the sheer number of players and their dedication that truly impressed me.

Despite the fierce competition, I persevered. Unlike the other kids who eventually quit, I kept playing, driven by an inner resolve that would later become a critical factor for the best players: the decision not to give up, no matter the frustration of poor results.

Chess in a Federal Penitentiary

The year was 1957, and I found myself serving time in a federal penitentiary in Lompoc, CA. It was here that I truly embraced the game. Chess addiction set in, and I still have not been able to walk away from it since. It was during this period that I saw other chess players not just as eggheads or intellectuals but as part of a community that shared our common love for the game.

The First Chess Encounter

The earliest memory of my first chess game dates back to a French elementary school when I was around six or seven years old. A child from the class randomly challenged me to a game, and to be frank, I did not understand the rules at all. Each move was a mix of insane and illegal, but I discovered that I was losing. However, this loss was just the beginning of my journey.

At home, my grandfather picked up where the child left off, teaching me the rules and the game. Early in our play, I managed to win my first game, albeit with a set of marble pieces. The excitement of placing a piece in check turned into a celebration, albeit brief, as my grandfather corrected me to a checkmate. This victory was a pivotal moment in my chess journey.

Memories of Grandfather's Chess

My early matches against my uncles only ended in my defeat, often in respected openings like Scholar’s Mate. Despite not being a fast learner, I began to play games with my mom's boyfriend at her apartment. To my surprise, I defeated him through Fool's Mate, an incredibly quick win. This early achievement marked the start of my deeper connection with the game.

As I entered high school, chess became a distant interest. Life, school, and other hobbies took precedence, and I rarely played until my grandfather passed away at the age of eleven. After his death, I continued to play sporadically and lost interest in the game.

Restarting the Chess Journey

Many years later, while I was a patient at a local hospital, I picked up chess again. Spending countless weeks playing against other patients, I honed my skills, achieving a close win with only one loss. This renewed passion led me to create a new account on

From there, I played irregularly, sometimes actively for months and then taking long breaks. Through determination, I managed to improve from 1300 Elo to a high of 1556 in 2021, placing me among the best amateur players in the world.

The Significance of "Clicking in"

But when did chess finally click for me? The moments of victory, the sense of accomplishment, and the frustration of losses were all part of my journey. The real "clicking" might be the moment I achieved my highest Elo rating, but it could also be the first time I defeated my grandfather or realized I was ahead of 90% of the chess community. Only time will tell when the true 'clicking' will come.

Chess has been more than just a game for me. It is a journey of persistence, learning, and occasional triumphs. If you are on a similar journey, remember that it is the continuous effort and determination that define the true meaning of success in chess.