Publisher's Letter

The Master and

the Student

Dear Readers,

A few days ago, my 12-year old grandson, Dylan, beat

me for the first time in chess.

I began teaching Dylan how to play chess when he

was four years old, just as I had done with his own

mother years ago when she was a little girl. We started

with each piece, studying its movements, learning its

limitations, and discussing its contribution to achieving

checkmate. Then we explored strategies and tactics, beginning

with simple concepts and getting more complex

as he grew older.

Over the years, we examined classic offenses and

defenses. I switched sides many times mid-game so he

could see what he did or didn’t do and the opportunities

still left on both sides for more development and a

possible win. One Christmas, we simulated the 100 best

games of Bobby Fischer, who many consider the best

chess player ever, and determined that his opponents

sometimes conceded too quickly. Mixing it up in this

way saved Dylan from getting discouraged when he lost.

I never let him win. It wouldn’t have been honest or

real. He needed to experience getting beaten so that he

could feel pride in his genuine accomplishment when he

finally won. And sure enough, the inevitable happened,

as it was bound to happen. Dylan won.

In his moment of victory, he simply turned to me and

said, “Paddy, you taught me well.” Of all the lessons the

game of chess or I, as his teacher, could impart, this one

was the greatest acquired. Amidst the strategies and

methods, Dylan had learned graciousness, which was

manifested through the recognition he gave to me.

None of us are inherently born skilled, rather we are

all shaped and molded by those around us, those who

dedicate their time to being

a positive influence

in our development. I

would not have realized

the power of this without

Dylan. So, Dylan,

laddy, I say thank you.

Wood with grandson, Dylan.

Patrick J. Wood

Publisher