Thanks david for the article.
-----Original Message-----
From: usbca_chess-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:usbca_chess-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of David Rosenkoetter
Sent: 31 October 2018 03:37
To: usbca_chess <usbca_chess@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [usbca_chess] (article) Chess Adaptations For Blind and VI Players At
O.T.B. Tournaments, TD's, and Fairness
I’m glad I was requested to write on the topic of adaptations, interacting at
chess tournaments involving sighted and blind players, and fairness. I hope
this will be the instigator of further discussion on this list and between us
players/friends otherwise. If other veterans of the tournament scene (alongside
sighted competitors)—you know who you are—chime in with your thoughts. While
this bit covers a lot of ground, particularly for the beginning tournament
player, there are many more issues to address.
From the outset, I’ll admit my bias in favor of the status quo as far as
adaptations for blind and partially sighted chess players in o.t.b.
tournaments. The adaptations we have now are great. Sometimes, players or
tournament directors don’t grasp how our adaptations fit in until they see us
in action.
So, it’s good to look at our potential presuppositions and theirs.
First a personal story: Back in 1998, when my brother and I were just getting
into competitive chess, we observed a tournament at the Wyndham Hotel in Los
Angeles. Many of the U.S.’s heavy hitters at the time were there—Jack Peters,
Larry Christiansen, Jeremy Silman, Eduard Guffeld, and others. We were hanging
out in the skittles room (the place where folks go to review games, talk and
argue over, well, everything. Between his games,--if memory serves me
right--Silman comes over to me and makes the observation: “You’ve got to have
the board in your head more than we do.” I laughed and said, “Not sure.
You guys sometimes play blindfold chess and see moves far deeper than me.” He
agreed. And we kind of agreed the playing field is probably more even than most
folks might think.
All this is to say: We’re going to hear a lot of questions or
observations at club or larger tournaments that may sound intimidating on the
surface. Here’s a few: “How can you know where to put your pieces when you
can’t see the board?” “Don’t you think we might have an advantage if we have
sight?” “How can you know that we’re not messing with the pieces behind your
back?” “Don’t you want a more even playing field? Maybe, find blind
tournaments?” And there are others.
Well, these questions really come from a standpoint of unawareness that
results in a head-long rush to judgment.
Our first reactions might be some of the following: “They don’t like
me.” “They think I don’t belong or I’m out of my league.” “I need to push back
with an equally trite remark.” That’s because we also get nervous and unsure of
the new situation where everyone seems to know everyone but us.
The solution for us and others is that very thing we all coach
ourselves to do at the chess board. Slow the moment down. Analyze our position,
that we do belong since we’ve prepared for the rounds to come just as anyone
else has. The opening setup, middle game traps, zaps and pitfalls are in our
head as much as they are for others. Our fellow competitors and TD’s probably
came to the tournament distracted by goofy traffic lights, screaming kids or an
overcooked breakfast at home. Maybe, the TD’s had a moment to look over
adaptations we make when playing; maybe, not.
But even before we will want to slow those first anxious moments at the
tournament site down, we’ll want to do a little preparation when preregistering
either online or by contacting the TD at his/her phone number or email. That
way, we can get a feel for how acquainted with our adaptations they are. I
suggest doing this three to five days before the tournament, if not earlier.
That gives them time to reference things like the USBCA website or check out
two or three basic adaptations we use. I suggest mentioning that we play on
separate boards and each player moves both sides’ pieces. With that, make sure
to mention that both players mention and echo each other’s moves. Assure them
that you can push the clock yourself. Many tournament directors are cool with
that. They may even have an assistant stand nearby you at the beginning of each
round to make sure you and your opponent are in sync with each other’s time.
And, please, don’t feel embarrassed to raise your hand with a question or
concern before or during rounds. Players approach the TD and others working the
floor with the most inane and miniscule needs. So, yours is worth addressing,
whatever it is.
If, for some reason, you get set in a corner with your opponent each
round—for fear that your whispering will distract others—it can be annoying.
You may at first feel singled out. But, my practice is not to complain. The
distance from other players will give your opponent the opportunity to ask you
any questions or give you verbal help if you need it. One tournament at the
chess club where I was a member in Kansas City, they put me in the basement of
all places. Well, fine. I really liked the solitude without folks bumping my
back or their chairs banging mine as they came to and from their seats.
I guess my big point is that you want to turn other people’s lack of
awareness, their questions and hesitancy into teachable moments, not
confrontation. Also, turn those distractions to your advantage by seeing that
soft zone in their midst because, believe me, it’s always there. And, in the
event, there’s any question if folks are being fair, well, settle it on the
board by your growing confidence with the game and slow down the moments so you
can show that, as one of our USBCA past presidents often said: “Yes, blind
people can and do play chess.”
Personally, I love the challenge. And I have a passion that folks will
see us play the game as fellow members of the chess community.
Yes, there is definitely politicking that goes on between those who WANT to get
involved in it. But, let them have that trouble to themselves. Yes, there’s
trash talking in a lot of skittles rooms. Let them banter. For me, time between
rounds is good for sleep if time allows, lots of meditating to the tunes of
country music playing through the headphones and, of course, analysis of
previously played games.
If your going to a club event for the first time or for your first
tournament at all, I suggest that you get there way early. Stroll through the
playing area. Check in with the TD and ask if he’s got any further questions or
concerns. If he’s never seen an adapted chess set, show him. Remind him that
your opponent’s score sheet and board are the official score sheet and board.
You are simply going along with the adaptations that have been set up long
before you began playing the game.
If you have a friend or spouse scribing for you, that’s great. My wife
is going to be notating my games in a couple upcoming tournaments as she was a
scribe at the o.t.b. just completed in Pittsburgh.
Folks, as Garry Kasparov described it to a then young Josh Waitzkin,
chess is the black and white jungle. It’s competitive and gives you the best
sense of adrenaline when those clocks start ticking. So, game on, folks!
The key is for us to get out there, be visible and be playing
tournaments. Whether we win, lose or draw, we get to compete with others at the
game we love.
All the best in chess, however, whenever and wherever we play it,
David
