| Chess | Community | Culture |

While I have been doing this communication for a while, some are hearing this for the first time. These last few times around, it feels like a first time for me as well, it just simply hits different and I will leave it at that. Players, coaches, and parents admitted they have sung this in the shower the morning before the State Scholastic.

Well…I do too. What is the meaning behind “chess thing?” It comes from this scene in Searching for Bobby Fischer

These emails have not been as frequent, but there are reasons for that. Like a calm surrender to the rush of day, can you feel the chess tonight…That said, the John Denver email is a non-negotiable and will go out without fail. Without further ado, I present to with some final advice for this weekend.

[Chess] bags are packed and ready to go
And notation, and pencil, chess clock, ect.

I’m standin’ here outside your door, I hate to wake you up to say goodbye
Go on and kiss them goodbye now…oops, wrong song

But the dawn is breakin’ it’s early morn’ The taxi’s waitin’ he’s blowin’ his horn
Probably feels like being a cab driver at times, eh? Just remind them who keeps a roof over their head.

Already I’m so lonesome I could die
Chess is not a spectator sport for most people, many find time chatting with fellow parents and really getting to know one another.

So kiss me and smile for me, Tell me that you’ll wait for me
Flattered, but I don’t know all of you that well. I won’t whisper sweet nothings into your ear. Maybe, I will ever so softly squeeze your shoulder, but nothing more!

Hold me like you’ll never let me go
Did you cash in all your dreams…oops wrong song again…but I’ll never let chess go.

Cause I’m leavin’ for a [chess thing]; Don’t know when I’ll be back again
Oh babe, I hate to go,
Congrats Seniors, and to all of you embarking on a new chapter in your lives.

There’s so many times I’ve let you down; So many times I’ve played around
Many games are decided because of playing too fast, will it happen to you?

I tell you now, they don’t mean a thing; Every place I go, I’ll think of you
Every song I sing, I’ll sing for you; When I come back, I’ll bring your wedding ring
Again, flattered…

Cause I’m leavin’ for a [chess thing]; Don’t know when I’ll be back again […dont call it a comeback…] Oh babe, I hate to go
For those who have taken the time to read this till the end, thank you for your time.

Good Luck to everyone playing this weekend!

Jiten Patel, Chess Consultant
From your first move to your last
On and off the chessboard