Boylston Chess Club
Draws mean no losers! That way kids don't lose self-esteem!
Of course, never mind that it doesn't teach the kids a thing about how the real world works. . .
I fear that in protecting children's self esteem, some educators are hurting their chances to compete in the wider world. Competition in life is not a thing to be feared; it is to be embraced. I'm a better man for learning chess. I'm a better man for applying principles I learned in chess to my life.
Try to win. Try to better yourself. Don't be afraid of loosing; go on to the next game. Don't settle unless the position clearly calls for it.
BTW I didn't settle in love, either. I found the girl who was right for me; we're closing in on 30 years of marriage.
I would be concerned too -- if there was anything of substance to be concerned about. According to the article, the team in question placed first in their section at an elementary school tournament. Think they did that by accepting draws whenever they were offered? A quick check of uschess.org also revealed that the student named in the article went 4-0 (that's four wins, no losses, and yes, no draws). Perhaps you guys are reading too much into one line on a t-shirt...
Commenting by HaloScan
