Great article about the challenges and fun of scholastic chess. I wanted to respond to the comments which suggest that girls are not as innately talented at chess. One reason why girls sometimes don't perform as well as boys is stereotype threat. Just the knowledge that boys are perceived to be superior at chess is enough to affect girls' performance. A study was done in which women played chess online--when they thought their opponent was male, they performed worse that when they believed their opponent was their own gender. I have a son and daughter and I notice that my daughter is subject to much more "trash talking" from her opponents than my son is, which affects her confidence. She is learning to ignore the negativity and her rating (and enjoyment of the game) is improving.
1
Let us celebrate children learning a life long skill whether they are boys or girls - we need to be supportive. If you want to see girls playing chess check out the book The Queen of Katwe by Tim Crothers, it is about a young girl from slums in Uganda who becomes a champion chess player.
It will soon be a movie - released by Disney.
http://queenofkatwe.com/
It will soon be a movie - released by Disney.
http://queenofkatwe.com/
2
Comments have been made regarding the boy to girl ratio, at this event.
I am wondering if the boys compete against girls at this young age. I know at the professional level there was a woman champion “Judit Polgar” but of a woman’s division. She was ranked as a grandmaster, which was based on coed competition. Supposedly she played Bobby Fischer privately but the results were never revealed. She isi considered the greatest woman chess player ever.
Anyhow the male to female ratio, is evidence of the natural difference in interests between boys and girls. It also correlates with boys going into STEM majors more than girls.
Hillary’s laying the blame for this phenomena on discrimination, fuels her equal pay for equal work – and is part of the many feel at PC politics..
I as it happens taught myself chess at the age of 6. I just loved it. Neither of my parents played the game. I subsequently went into the computer field. I believe there is a connection in interests.
That said, not so sure it is a good place to invest a lot of time. It didn’t seem to be psychologically for Bobby Fischer and quite a few guys I knew who blew away careers concentrating on chess instead.
I am wondering if the boys compete against girls at this young age. I know at the professional level there was a woman champion “Judit Polgar” but of a woman’s division. She was ranked as a grandmaster, which was based on coed competition. Supposedly she played Bobby Fischer privately but the results were never revealed. She isi considered the greatest woman chess player ever.
Anyhow the male to female ratio, is evidence of the natural difference in interests between boys and girls. It also correlates with boys going into STEM majors more than girls.
Hillary’s laying the blame for this phenomena on discrimination, fuels her equal pay for equal work – and is part of the many feel at PC politics..
I as it happens taught myself chess at the age of 6. I just loved it. Neither of my parents played the game. I subsequently went into the computer field. I believe there is a connection in interests.
That said, not so sure it is a good place to invest a lot of time. It didn’t seem to be psychologically for Bobby Fischer and quite a few guys I knew who blew away careers concentrating on chess instead.
2
Once there were few women who studied medicine. Was there a "natural difference of interests"? Once, few women studied law; once there were no women on the Supreme Court. Were they "naturally" not interested? Even when field are opened to women (or girls) it takes time for the percentages to change. There are so many social influences that it is extremely poor "science" to conclude that this is "evidence of a natural difference". It reminds me of the joke about removing the legs from a fly and telling it to fly, concluding that removing all its legs makes it deaf. Maybe boys (and men) need to learn more scientific methodology in their STEM studies.
2
Old news at Palo Alto
If the class were needlepoint and the school excelled in different championships, would it be wrong to publicize it because most of the kids pictured were girls? There is no evidence that girls are not allowed to or discouraged from participating. More boys than girls want to join their chess club. So what? You're claiming a wrong where there is no evidence of such.
1
Chess for Success is a wonderful organization in Oregon that brings chess into schools all over the state. "Chess for Success is much more than a recreational, after-school club. It's an intervention and educational support, provided at no cost to families, that closes the achievement gap for economically disadvantaged and minority youth." The cost of programs should not prevent students from participating.
1
My question is not just about why this article is overwhelmingly focused on boys who play chess, but why no one at the Times thought this was problematic. If it is true that these programs interest boys more than girls, it seems to follow that the author of this article ought to have commented as such, because that in and of itself is an issue worth mentioning. Instead we readers discover an article that (perhaps inadvertently, yet certainly inexcusably) confirms what I myself learned and dealt with as a young chess player 30 or so years ago; which is that chess is pretty much for boys. Did not one person on staff find this at all problematic before it went to print?
6
In the era when no one seems to be thinking anymore ("smart" technology making us mentally number and dumber), chess is a great tool for problem solving and independent judgment. We need more of our kids exposed to the noblest and finest of all games. Yet, more than 99% of those who take up chess leave it without ever getting out of the basic level, never reaping potential game benefits.
So what is the main roadblock to more people sticking with the game, going beyond "the moves"? It is the way we teach chess in the critical early period.
The problem is universal across domains though. Think why so many people are suffering from math illiteracy and anxiety. Then think tennis. Why there is only one US player (John Isner) of the first 25 on the World ATP list?
Todd Martin, #4 back in 90s, channels Bill Murray: "If the game is not taught well at the beginning levels, it just doesn't matter."
Now the real question is, why math, tennis, or chess teaching all fall flat on the basics?
Entire early education seems to be broken across domains. Math is not about calculation (yet 70% of time in school our kids spend on it). Chess is not about the moves in the same way as tennis is not about how to hit the ball, it is where you want to hit it.
The basics of everything is mind set, not technicalities. It is about problem solving. And that is exactly where we miserably fail to educate our population to insure our leading position and future growth in a fast changing world.
So what is the main roadblock to more people sticking with the game, going beyond "the moves"? It is the way we teach chess in the critical early period.
The problem is universal across domains though. Think why so many people are suffering from math illiteracy and anxiety. Then think tennis. Why there is only one US player (John Isner) of the first 25 on the World ATP list?
Todd Martin, #4 back in 90s, channels Bill Murray: "If the game is not taught well at the beginning levels, it just doesn't matter."
Now the real question is, why math, tennis, or chess teaching all fall flat on the basics?
Entire early education seems to be broken across domains. Math is not about calculation (yet 70% of time in school our kids spend on it). Chess is not about the moves in the same way as tennis is not about how to hit the ball, it is where you want to hit it.
The basics of everything is mind set, not technicalities. It is about problem solving. And that is exactly where we miserably fail to educate our population to insure our leading position and future growth in a fast changing world.
This is terrific! I learned chess at nine and it contributed to my confidence as a young man through some difficult years until I went off to college at which point I discovered a wider world and had much less time for it.
I regret that I did not teach my son chess at an earlier age: we were involved with so many other activities. I was surprised to learn that his high school does not have a club/team. I may try to remedy that soon.
I would be careful about assuming that the game of chess itself will lead to better proficiency at math. Games and sports (chess has been considered both) allow kids and nations to compete with each other in non-destructive ways (especially activities such as chess, baseball and track which are largely "transparent").
Instead, chess can be considered a springboard to a variety of logical pursuits as well as an introduction to similar, more subtle games such as go and shogi. But the truth is that there is so much more now competing for the time and attention of our students.
Well done, New York City Department of Education!
Chevy
South Hadley, MA
I regret that I did not teach my son chess at an earlier age: we were involved with so many other activities. I was surprised to learn that his high school does not have a club/team. I may try to remedy that soon.
I would be careful about assuming that the game of chess itself will lead to better proficiency at math. Games and sports (chess has been considered both) allow kids and nations to compete with each other in non-destructive ways (especially activities such as chess, baseball and track which are largely "transparent").
Instead, chess can be considered a springboard to a variety of logical pursuits as well as an introduction to similar, more subtle games such as go and shogi. But the truth is that there is so much more now competing for the time and attention of our students.
Well done, New York City Department of Education!
Chevy
South Hadley, MA
4
Most of the pictures show boys, is participation overwhelmingly male? And if yes, why? (I played chess in elementary and high school -- was the only female in the HS chess club -- that was 40 years ago)
9
Hi Linda,
I have played chess for about twenty years, on and off. with some coaching thrown in. Chess appeals more to boys because they tend to be better at it than girls and at some point the girls get sick of losing and develop other interests, like boys and school, and their love of chess subsides to the mundanities of life. Boys can afford to be more asocial than girls and can dedicate more time to the game. Hope that answers your question.
I have played chess for about twenty years, on and off. with some coaching thrown in. Chess appeals more to boys because they tend to be better at it than girls and at some point the girls get sick of losing and develop other interests, like boys and school, and their love of chess subsides to the mundanities of life. Boys can afford to be more asocial than girls and can dedicate more time to the game. Hope that answers your question.
3
It's not certain that boys "tend to be better" - certainly not in that proportion. There is still a lot of socialization as to what is an expected or appropriate activity. My daughter was in the chess group at her school, as she was in the electronics club, making circuit boards. She diligently took notes on what was explained, and she was still a little kid. She far surpassed the abilities of the boys in both groups. But she was the only girl, and that became uncomfortable for her. So she dropped out. It was not for lack of interest. I suspect many girls have similar situations. And, you might ask, why was she the only girl? It has to do with perpetuation of myths, lack of role models, etc. - all of the problems that still need to be overcome. Similarly, many boys don't participate in dance - not because they aren't good or not interested, but because they are teased for doing so. But, in the end, my daughter did not stay away from male-dominated fields. She is pursuing a doctorate in Talmud.
In the 1960s I had to fight to get into Chess Club in elementary school. As it turned out I was (as a girl) up to par and even better than most students (all boys, which were the only gender allowed into this club). I simply asked, even at that age, why couldn't I attend, and not having their line ready, permitted me.
The first thing I noticed in the photos here was only boys are depicted. At first it surprised me since haven't "those days" gone by the wayside. Apparently not. And as far as "Curious" from VA's remarks, not an uncommon level of ignorance still lurking. It is horrific actually and not a "tired rehearsed chorus". Why would anybody be "lauding" any activity that energizes just boys? It is tiresome to be still seeing this bias, and it perpetuates a belief system that lags from Medieval days.
The first thing I noticed in the photos here was only boys are depicted. At first it surprised me since haven't "those days" gone by the wayside. Apparently not. And as far as "Curious" from VA's remarks, not an uncommon level of ignorance still lurking. It is horrific actually and not a "tired rehearsed chorus". Why would anybody be "lauding" any activity that energizes just boys? It is tiresome to be still seeing this bias, and it perpetuates a belief system that lags from Medieval days.
14
I started playing chess when I was 12 in Belgium playing adults. Now at 83 I am still at it to keep my brain going and yes go to tournaments, local, and most recently in Boston for 3 days. It is good for the young and good for the old.
6
I guess most girls don't like to play chess, just like most boys don't like to play dolls.
3
Agreed.
My son who is ten years old started playing five years ago. He's not a champion but he enjoys his weekly class with his school mates. And I think that even for non champions, chess is an excellent game to develop strategic thinking, concentration, and the grace of winning or loosing. My father at 83 is quite deaf so when we visit him, he plays a game of chess with my son and it gives him the joy to connect with his grandson beyond words.
5
Throughout the K-5 years my son played chess for the PS166 Manhattan Knights. He rose to become one of the better players (1500+) thanks to delightful weekend afternoons spent in Washington Square Park coached by 'Rahim', the weathered fellow mentioned in this article. (In the photo, behind Rahim is Omar, also a wonderful teacher.) Chess Parents - if you'd like to help your child improve and want to experience a special NYC experience, treat your child to a game of Blitz (speed chess) and some instruction with these gentlemen. It's a wholesome scene and igreat fun when the tourists clamor around to watch the matches. And don't forget to tip!
13
My 6-year-old daughter played me to a draw yesterday. I was stunned and thrilled! I didn't realize young kids could excel at this.
10
Anyone who liked this should watch the documentary "Brooklyn Castles" as well as the movie "Searching for Bobby Fisher". Both films explore the role, weight and impact chess has on children's lives and their futures.
3
A beautiful article about some truly nifty kids. But of course it's all horrific and conspiratorial because there are 'no girls'. How predictable that the first comments would be the tired rehearsed chorus of 'where are the girls' ; Instead of lauding an activity that may energize boys whose performance in school is structurally lagging. And while we're at it, let's also deconstruct the ballet club and discredit it because there are no boys.
23
There are plenty of girls on the chess team who excel at chess at my sons school. Otherwise we wouldn't be winning so many school trophies.
10
There's no discrediting going on. Just some questioning.
2
There are plenty of girls who excel at chess at a very young age. The disparities in number and rating, if any, tend to arise as children get older. It's the weekend of the All Girls' Nationals and a girl won the junior high school nationals just last week in Indianapolis. Not mentioning the girls did girls - and the game- a great disservice. Shame on you, New York Times.
18
I guess young girls don't play chess?
2
What about Momoca, whose father is quoted in the article?
Exactly the same thought occurred to me!
2
I did not know that only young boys play chess!
3
Why, it's the real life version of the movie "Searching for Bobby Fischer" where a child chess prodigy keeps his sweet soul intact despite the intense competitive pressure. Seems like the parents quoted in this article are working to insure the same for their own kids. High five!
7
"Searching for Bobby Fischer" was the real life version. Get the book even better than the movie
No girls, huh? Wonderful thing this gender parity in elementary school education.
12
is it possible the girls were offered the same opportunity and opted for something else???
let's not even consider the girls were not as good as the boys
let's not even consider the girls were not as good as the boys
1
What about Momoca, whose father is quoted in the article? It says she's one of her school's best players.
5
Were the girls offered the same opportunity or were they shunted off to something else. Were they even considered to be "as good as the boys" and how were the kids selected anyway?
2