A Chess Problem
Milne felt that chess was a game deserving of its place in the gallery of sports, but also that it had a drawback.
1919
King George V 1910-1936
Milne felt that chess was a game deserving of its place in the gallery of sports, but also that it had a drawback.
1919
King George V 1910-1936
A. A. Milne comes to the defence of chess, arguing that it is game deserving of as much respect as any of the more physically demanding sports. And yet, there is something about it which means that his enthusiasm rarely lasts more than a month or so.
abridged
WHAT chess-player, who in making too eagerly the crowning move, has upset with his elbow the victims of the preliminary skirmishing, so that they roll upon the floor — what chess-player, who has to lean down and pick them up, will not be the better for the strain upon his diaphragm? No; say what you will against chess, but do not mock at it for its lack of exercise.
Yet there is this against it. The courtesies of the game are few. I think that this must be why the passion for it leaves me after a month. When at cricket you are bowled first ball, the wicketkeeper can comfort you by murmuring that the light is bad; when at tennis your opponent forces for the dedans and strikes you heavily under the eye, he can shout, “Sorry!” When at golf you reach a bunker in 4 and take 3 to get out, your partner can endear himself by saying, “Hard luck”.
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
How does chess keep you physically fit, in Milne’s experience?
By frequently making you retrieve scattered chessmen.
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
Milne liked playing chess. He would play a lot for a month. Then he would lose interest.