News & Updates
Written by guest author Greg Delaney for Wholesale Chess.
A basic concept in psychology is often illustrated by a graphic called the “Johari Window.” Simply put, the four “panes” of the “window” represent various states of self-awareness of who we are and what parts of ourselves we share with the world. The “subconscious” is that part of us about which neither we nor other people know. The “open” pane is the part of us we know and allow to be known by others. The “secret” pane is the part of us we know about but do not share with the world. The fourth and final pane is the “blind” area – the parts of ourselves that we cannot see but others can. I believe that these “panes” exist in our chess playing as well. We prepare openings and plans in secret, we show ourselves and our opponents our tendencies during play (open), and psychologists have long consider those who play chess to be acting out subconscious conflicts when they play. Do we have “blind spots” in chess? Are there things about our play that others can see but we cannot? Could knowing these things help us improve? The answer Read more �
At the Chess Board
Written by guest author Greg Delaney for Wholesale Chess.
There are countless human experiences that can and do teach us something about ourselves and how we think, feel, and behave. Little did I know when I was drawn back to the game in 2005, how profoundly revealing of oneself the game of chess can be. Since chess reduces the element of chance to a minimum, what happens at the chess board approximates truth perhaps as closely as we human beings can experience it. Chess is not all about memorization and calculation and technique, although these functions are all part of the game. I have found in the past five years that chess is really about us and who we are.
In a very real sense, the chess board is an arena of total honesty. Everything that occurs is within view of both players. Of course, there are masked threats and camouflaged traps and subtle strategy, but the opponent has every chance to observe each move and attempt to interpret its meaning and importance. I’ve learned that a game of chess is decided by who “sees” more that the opponent. How many times have we blundered and said Read more �
Written by guest author Erik Czerwin for Wholesale Chess.
Nerdy glasses, nasally voice, maybe suspenders, and definitely uninteresting conversations… That’s what makes the best kind of chess coach. Of course, those of us in the business of coaching chess players know that the complete opposite is true. Though some of us fit the stereotype (I wear my pocket-protector valiantly), a chess coach is really just a coach. All the attributes that make a good coach also describe the best chess coaches.
Chess Coach?
The best thing a chess coach can teach kids, though, has little to do with skills. The best thing a coach can teach a kid is a love of the game. Chess, probably more than most sports, takes a lifetime to master. Tennis pros are outdated by the age of 30. Football and basketball stars burnout about the same time. Some lucky baseball pros can play professionally for years beyond that, but even Nolan Ryan barely broke into his 40s before leaving the game. Of course many chess superstars hit their peak in their mid 30s, the vast majority continue actively in the chess community for years and decades beyond. Also, let’s be honest, many of our students may not play chess in a professional setting. Chess is a sport of amateurs who battle in parks, living rooms, dusty basements, and musty classrooms. Amateurs in a strictly loving sense, of course.
If we really want to make an authentic impact on a person, we should strive only to teach a love for the game. Chess is a great sport that can enrich lives forever. If we work so hard to get our competitive youth into the winning categories, we may lose sight of the real goal. The kids, almost assuredly Read more �
If you’ve recently purchased one of our sturdy, relocatable Giant Plastic Chess Boards, you may need a little help putting it together. This board comes in a smaller form with our 12″ Mini Giant Chess Set as well as a stand alone larger Giant Plastic Chess Board. It’s really quite simple to do – you just need to know the trick!
So, here’s a quick post on How to Put Together Your Giant Plastic Chess Board:
1. Counting Squares. Here’s what you should have:
1 – White piece with no connectors
6 – White pieces with one side of connectors
8 – Black pieces with one side of connectors
25 – White pieces with two sides of connectors
24 – Black pieces with two side of connectors
2. Assembling Your Chess Board. You will want to start with Read more �
Our friends at the Magna Chess Club outside of Salt Lake City, Utah sent us pictures of some fun they had with the 4th of July celebration and the wonderful game of chess! You can purchase the chess pieces and chess boards needed for these patriotic chess sets at Wholesale Chess.
Patriotic Chess Set
Patriotic Chess Sets
Wholesale Chess Book & Chess Software Sale
From now through July 11 we’re celebrating our chess books and chess software sale! We’ve marked down dozens of titles today, with more titles to be discounted throughout the week as the sale progressses. Watch for saving of 10%, 20%, 30%, and even 40% off your favorite chess books, chess dvds and chess software.
Of course – it wouldn’t be Read more �
Save $25 (60%) on our NEW Premier Chess Pieces in Natural and Black- Clear pieces (free Bag)!
Our top selling premier plastic chess pieces are now available in a natural color!
Premier Chess Pieces (Natural and Black)
Save $9 on a Large Mousepad Chess Board Our best rollup chess board! Fits the Premier pieces like a gem – at an unbeatable price!
Large Mousepad Chess Board
Read more �
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