We love to play games in our house and have quite a selection. For awhile, Ryan had been asking Rob and I to play chess with him. We both thought it would be too complicated a game for a 4 year old, so we would say we would play when he got older. One day a few months ago, during one of his regular visits, Pop Pop (Rob's Dad) agreed to play chess with Ryan at his urging. Rob and I looked at each other with the "yeah, right" look and let them go on their way. To every one's amazement, Ryan not only paid close attention to how to play, but he caught on! He patiently listened for nearly 2 hours while Pop Pop patiently explained and they played.
Chess is now Ryan's obsession. He wakes wanting to play and we pry him away from the board at night. He plays alone...against HIMSELF (and always declares his triumph, "I won"). He plays hours on a computer chess program that takes him through drills and teaches him terms and chess moves. And, not that this is any great task, he beats me regularly. I actually feel pretty happy with myself when I manage to beat him, until Rob reminds me that he's 4 years old.
He's still needs to learn to lose with grace. He HATES to lose (his father's son?) and gets very angry when it happens. He also needs to learn to win with grace...he likes to rub it in. That said, we are very proud and totally amazed!
The first chess game Ryan ever played. Thanks Pop Pop!
13 comments:
i'm very impressed, both at his intellect and his focus. most four year olds can't sit still enough to learn to tie their shoes (at least that has been my experience.)
as to the competitiveness...that is something i can relate to big time. henry is also a TERRIBLE loser and sometimes a worse winner. i suppose we should be grateful that our boys are competitive...maybe that drive will serve them well as they mature. (i have a nephew who is the most non-competitive child i've ever met, and i find it disconcerting, honestly.)
at any rate, i'm terribly impressed and if i were as competitive as henry, i'd be really mad right now! ha!
chess has always baffled and intrigued me...i've no idea how to play. that is FANTASTIC that he has learned and has developed a passion for it. way to go, ryan!
I think its amazing that he learned and plays so well. I have no idea how to play chess, aside from the quick lesson you gave me at the park.
Good job Ry
p.s.- Em just saw this post and said "hey that's my Ryan"
big ry once tried to teach me how to play chess and i lost focus (and interest) and said, can we just play checkers instead?
i have a lot of respect for this kid and his brain. it's not just the chess that's impressive. he has a great imagination and is intelligent in an array of subjects. it's fun to watch!
the competitiveness definitely comes from rob...however, my dear, you aren't just content to sit back and let the turtle beat you to the finish line. like mother, like son. :)
Me? Competitive? No...
I'm so going to win at Yoga tomorrow.
i love the first pic of ryan looking at the chess board. great angle!
i just busted out laughing at your line re: winning at yoga. i'll be thinking of ya'll while i'm analyzing spreadsheets. namaste.
you can beat me at yoga...that's fine. but i will beat you at laughing during the class.
i was truely amazed when i saw little ry playing chess on the computer at the higgins hoopla. he was telling all about the pieces and when and where to move them. he is a very smart child. i don't have the patience to play chess, shawn likes to play but has no one to play with, maybe next we are in town he will have to duel little ry to a match.
as for the yoga, no competition, go to zen......have fun tomorrow.
OMG, proof read before sending, it should read "next TIME we are in town"
gosh, i'm rushing to much.
uuuuhhhhhh yeah that's very impressive. poor sofia has the patience of her mother.....we can BARELY get through a game of candyland....it's painful for both of us.
this is really cool!!! i LOVE LOVE LOVE that first pic!! ryan is adorable!
At the risk of sounding like the typical 'bragging' grandparent, this kid is bright. He learns quickly, and has a very agile mind...especially for a 4 year old.
That said, I'm no Bobby Fischer...to the contrary. However, I'll unashamedly admit that Ryan has beaten me (legitimately) twice now. Yes, I'm a weak player, but I now find myself concentrating quite hard to avoid being beaten. If you make a mistake with Ryan, as often as not he will capitalize on it.
Now, regarding sportsmanship, he's improving. He'll always be competitive, but his parents and I are constantly working with him on this. His competitiveness is a good thing, and if channeled properly, will help him in this 'extremely competitive' society, no question.
Memo to Ryan: Pop Pop will be there Saturday for another match.
That's why he's Magical Ry...
wow! That is amazing...way to go Ryan....i know you are sooo proud.
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