Before getting on to my question, let me just say that I am a big fan of your books and enjoyed HOW TO REASSESS YOUR CHESS immensely. For the past few years I was stuck in the class “B” range and shortly after reading HTRYC I jumped a grade and am now zeroing in on the 2000 mark.

My question to you is: Is there a life in chess for me? I recognize that the prizes available to players of my strength (and even a great deal stronger) are quite limited. So, the professional players circuit is obviously out. However, I have a boundless love for the game. I am extremely well versed in chess history and the current state of professional chess. Non-chess friends say they understand me when I speak to them about the game. I don't feel qualified to offer serious chess instruction (either to an individual or by writing books/articles), but I believe I do have something to contribute to chess. I believe that I could write books/articles for raw beginners, or perhaps lighthearted material on chess -- similar to what Mig Greengard does. So, is there room for me in this world? If so, how do I get started? Who should I contact. Who might give me a chance??

Thanks so much for your time!

Robin L (Canada),

Dear Robin,

I can’t be quite sure what you’re asking, since there are various interpretations that I can grab onto. As a result, I’ll use your letter as a springboard to one of my favorite subjects: WHY SHOULD PEOPLE PLAY CHESS?

To be honest, I generally become enraged when people look for a justification to play the game. Thus, I’m not exploring why chess is good, or useful, or sexy, but rather what one thing makes chess worthwhile. The only answer, in all its simplistic fury, is: YOU SHOULD ONLY PLAY CHESS IF YOU LOVE PLAYING.

In my mind, the game of chess is a beautiful thing to watch. The history of chess and the people who play(ed) it moves me. And the competitive fire I felt (I’m now retired) when I sat down at the board in a tournament stirred my blood. When I was a 1000 player I didn’t look for a reward -- I just loved to play. When I was 1700 and 1900 and 2100 and even 2200, I loved to compete, read about the game, and did everything I could to immerse myself in its energy and mystique.

Eventually I become a professional player, and this meant years of poverty and hardship. However, I didn’t care. I was doing what I loved to do, and all was well. In fact, though I loved winning tournaments, I derived far greater satisfaction from the creation of a single well-played game -- the art always took precedence over thoughts of money.

Now we come to my disgust for the many players who demand high prizes for winning a class “C” (1400-1599) section (or any other class section). These people, in their infinite greed, feel entitled to recompense not because of their understanding of the game, not because they put their soul into it -- they feel entitled because of an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

I’m all for a few hundred dollars being given as class prizes, and I think trophies are wonderful since it leaves you with something that will always remind you of your achievement. But the people that feel a trophy and a small cash prize aren’t good enough are also sending a message: chess itself isn’t good enough.

Robin, you seem to have a genuine love for the game. Hopefully, you also have a career since professional chess is quickly becoming less and less viable (unless you feel you can reach the world’s top ten). If you simply love chess, and are getting a lot out of the game and want to contribute, then write for a local or state magazine (such magazines are always desperate for help and copy), teach disadvantaged children in poor communities, share your infectious love of the game with your friends, organize a chess club if none exists in your town, or try and get chess into schools (you can be the person that arranges it, and/or you can offer yourself as a chess coach).

I know many men and women that live and breathe chess. They are businessmen, doctors, lawyers, actors, waiters, electricians -- these people come from every walk of life, have families, and embrace the game as one of their greatest passions. Some of these people participate in chess organization duties, others help with chess politics (and we desperately need help in this area, since a great many chess politicians are men with little brain and enormous egos), and some try hard to introduce children to the game.

As you can see, there are quite a few options, and I hope you find something that gives you a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

Jeremy Silman