Okay,
it's not a book. However, Christmas is coming
up and I know there are a lot of people wondering
what to give their chess maniac friends. This,
in my opinion, is THE perfect chess gift.
Back in the late 60's, when I was
a young boy that worshipped Bobby Fischer, I wanted
to make a deal with the devil and take two of
Fischer's most prized possessions: his chess skills
and his chess wallet. Yes, I heard he owned a
real chess wallet and I lusted after it. Though
I never actually saw this mythical chess tool,
the idea captivated my imagination and I wanted
one throughout my teens, twenties, and thirties.
Now, well into my dotage, I finally own the object
of my affection, and it's everything I imagined
and more.
Naturally, certain tests were necessary:
- Made of top quality leather,
its feel is very nice, and it easily fits into
a front pants pocket (I was told that it shouldn't
be placed in one's back pocket since sitting
on it can bend and destroy the magnetic bars),
or into the inner pocket of a sport coat or
suit.
- My driver's license fit
comfortably into the clear tab created for it.
The 6 tabs for credit cards are also user friendly.
- Two sections for cash
are present, and a zippered section is perfect
for huge denominations, pictures, or an emergency
stash of viagra.
- The board itself (very
strong magnets firmly grasp the flat pieces--I
tried shaking it like a berserk lunatic, but
all the pieces remained on the board) unfolds
to a comfortable 6x6, and an extra Rook, Bishop,
Knight, and Queen (for both sides) are added
in case you promote a pawn during play.
- The whole wallet zippers
shut so that your pieces and money are completely
safe.
- Sticking it in my washing
machine and adding huge amounts of detergent,
I sent it churning through several wash cycles.
The result wasn't pretty. DON'T try this at
home!
For wives or mothers of players who are tired
of hearing their loved ones gripe about the uselessness
of another "Schiller chess book present"
(how would the poor ladies know better?), this
wallet will bring relief from criticism for at
least one holiday season. To
order, or to ask questions, call (425) 697-4513
or (800) 404-6283 (code 11). You can also check
out their website at: ChessMate.com.
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