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To: .577 Tyrannosaur
Poe was unquestionably America's greatest literary genius; and his thoughtful commentary on almost any subject is worth considering. In the excerpt that you post, however, I think that he underestimates the analytic aspects of Chess vs. Checkers; although he is entirely correct in emphasizing the importance of concentration. Frankly, I suspect that it is the compelling need for such total concentration that tends to destroy great Chess players.

I remember that playing in exhibitions, where he would play 30 different players--different games--at the same time, drove Alekhine--the greatest Master of his day--to drugs. I have never been able to force myself to concentrate for long enough to be a very good player, and the same failing makes me stay out of serious stake poker games.

William Flax Return Of The Gods Web Site

10 posted on 11/23/2002 9:17:11 AM PST by Ohioan
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To: Ohioan
Chess requires tremendous concentration, but that concentration can be fun. When I was in high school, I played a couple of games where I kept my back to the board and had someone describe the moves to me using chess notation. I remembered where everything was and still won the game. It wasn't that hard because I played so much chess that I had a good feel for the board even without seeing it.

WFTR
Bill

18 posted on 11/23/2002 11:13:39 AM PST by WFTR
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