Judit Polgar chess match

CHESS, EDUCATION, AND CULTURE

My name is Jeff and I am an ex-Toyota employee (Labor relations and shop floor management) and now business consultant for those choosing to learn the Toyota System. I have had the opportunity to play chess with equipment layout, material volumes, and policy decisions for years. I had also played the real game back in my college days at Auburn University, AL. Why chess—its fun yes, but it reaches kids and adults in many ways that bring out the best in all of us.

The one constant the game provides is relationship building between individuals, cutting across many barriers in society. So, I decided to pick the game up again five years ago in my late 30’s. I found that I still played bad but enjoyed it anyway. I even hired a coach (I actually got to the point of understanding GM games-wow)—she still tells me to castle, but I never liked doing that so I found openings where one could skip castling sometimes-Sicilian Sveshnikov. To be honest, when I do not castle early I am toast.

I also decided to take up chess sponsorship on a consistent basis to see if it had any positive impact on people. I found several players who were not only highly rated but good communicators / teachers. There is a difference. At Toyota we had both skilled technicians and teachers like any company, but the teachers taught what I would describe as a new culture. This is significant in my mind. Teachers are real good with people, and many times influencing our youth and adults in healthy directions that ought to come from many places it does not for many reasons.

I’ll keep it short. I first noticed this chess culture at a little center in Queens, NY. I took some lessons from coach Sofia Polgar (actually flew her into NYC from Toronto, found her on the ICC website). I noticed how she explained complex things to a beginner at my chess level- just like a good teacher. Between lessons I would walk out into the large area of the little club and see young children solving –6 to 8 move tactical puzzles with club manager Leon. These amazing little kids, seeing all this without moving the pieces and remaining so calm but enthusiastic. Sophia’s sister Susan ran this club at that time. So, I sponsored some events with both Susan and Sofia to help people experience their inter-personal gift of good character and joy both of them bring to their work.

Over and over, event after event, the same inspiration was found on the faces of people. I observed these teachers demonstrate the same high quality of character and joy of what I would describe as chess culture with all the participants. This was more than business to them—it’s a way of Life. Just like my experience with teachers at Toyota. I would like to express a great debt of gratitude to GM Sophia and GM Susan for letting me sponsor some few of their many worthy activities. They are both a class act. Hire them. Buy their books & DVD’s, and send them donations.

Another example comes from Lexington, KY. Like the two above Chess Grandmasters / Teachers: GM Gregory Kaidanov is yet another excellent Teacher of chess culture. In my mind it’s just embedded in the character of these people—once again, I saw a good natured, professional, good thinking, calm individual, with real teaching skills for our youth and adults do good work. So I sponsored some events with him as well. Greg apparently has quite a list of students, young and old who enjoy learning from him. As good as these people are at chess and at how they teach it to others—they more importantly set an example of good character and joy through their work. This combination of mind and feeling hits the mark in my book, by developing leadership and human relationship skills in others- flat out, no doubt about it.

Oh yes, how about this little web event. I am an addict of this Sicilian line of play and pleaded with Gregory and GM Judit Polgar (well—she is the best Woman player ever and has beat Kasparov, and has been in the top of all chess players for over 20 years-became a GM back when I still learning basic math) to have a tiny internet match for a week. We will use the MonRoi system to make games available to everyone who has internet connection—sign up free at Monroi.com (My King) run by Brana and her sister Zeljka—- Look out for MonRoi CEO Brana as she is an ex-Electrical Engineer and a good chess player- and has a really good idea with this product to help others.

So…these two people (Greg & Judit) who are top GM’s in anyone’s book, will slug it out for a week so us mere mortals can enjoy the sometimes sharp play of the open Sicilian e4, c5. I look forward to this week and so should you. I paid them some money- not what they are worth, but they did it anyway—there is that example of good character front and center again.

Finally, the ability to transform the nature of our youth & adults into those qualities that are the best of our nature (Humanity) – come through living examples: demonstrating right thought, feeling, speech, and action to bring about the kind of Culture we all aspire to in our relationships. I see these Teachers bring this out in others.

Why?-because it’s a part of their nature. Are they perfect? No, but they sure are headed in the right direction. Help me support their good work (there are many more in chess than the few people I mentioned as in all disciplines) by giving them a shot at doing events like this one or even different in nature. Support your local chess teachers who embody the Culture we aspire to have in our society. If you dropped the game after a few or many years give it another shot. You will find yourself building some new relationships and positively connecting with others.

https://chessdailynews.com/battle-of-the-gender/

Judit Polgar vs. Gregory Kaidanov

February 22-24, 2010

Sicilian Theme Match (Dragon, Scheveningen, Najdorf or Sveshnikov), GM Judit Polgar vs. GM Gregory Kaidanov, 4 Classical 90min /40 move games, Possible Blitz playoff.

Purpose: Make a fun match for all to enjoy on the Internet. Onsite invitation only, closed to general view. The match will be webcast on the Internet.

Host: Jeff Smith, Business Consultant. Jeff supports chess as a hobby and enjoys seeing others benefit from the game.

Match Budget: 22K with a prize fund of 16K. 100% prize money funded by Mr. Smith.

Sponsor: Houseofstaunton.com

Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar