Shelby Lyman on Chess: A Fateful Meeting Sunday, April 26, 2015 (Published in print: Sunday, April 26, 2015) In 1954, an American chess team suffered its second of three brutal postwar defeats at the hands of a group of...
Computer age has been notable in its contribution to the democratization of chess
Shelby Lyman on Chess: Chess Everywhere Sunday, April 19, 2015 The computer age has been notable in its contribution to the democratization of chess. The availability of inexpensive computer players and easy access to software for the downloading and...
Missing out on the human element of the struggle in chess
Chess by Shelby Lymanon January 24, 2015 – 12:01 AM Watching and commenting on a chess game that others are playing can be a rollicking, fun experience for both players and onlookers. Witticism and repartee – brilliant or embarrassing...
Chess in the Computer Age
Shelby Lyman on Chess: The Computer Age in ChessSunday, January 18, 2015 (Published in print: Sunday, January 18, 2015) The time is long gone when a combination of human sweat, effort and smarts was the final word in chess....
The process of sharing ideas can be both exhilarating and empowering
Chess / by Shelby Lymanon January 10, 2015 – 12:01 AM Memory is limiting. It can be either protective or adventurous. We can shy from the past or engage it, reflect on it, and move forward. One of the...
Passion or Obsession?
Chess by Shelby Lymanon January 3, 2015 – 12:01 AM Dedicated though he is, Magnus Carlsen, the world champion of chess, insists that his passion for the game is not an obsession. If true, his testimony illustrates that even...
“We’re relentless, gradually overpowering our opponent and never giving up.”
Shelby Lyman on Chess: Reprieve or BreakthroughSunday, November 23, 2014 (Published in print: Sunday, November 23, 2014) As I write this column, game three of the current 12-game world championship match in Sochi, Russia, has come to a close....
Shelby Lyman on Chess
Shelby Lyman on Chess: For Want of a NailSunday, November 16, 2014 (Published in print: Sunday, November 16, 2014) Chess is an extravagant embodiment of the simple idea that life is a continuous parade of moments with a beginning...
Chess remains strong in Russia
Chess By Shelby Lymanon November 8, 2014 – 12:01 AM Today, a quarter of a century after the end of state support, chess remains strong in Russia. This is not a surprise. In 1772, an English visitor wrote: “Chess...
Does anyone still read chess columns in newspapers anymore?
Don’t Mourn the Passing of the New York Times Chess ColumnThis is a great chance for the Gray Lady to bring its chess coverage into modern times.By Matt Gaffney “This is the final chess column to run in The...