My father was a patient chess teacher, and I wanted so badly to show him I was smart, but chess was simply out of my reach. If I managed to come up with what I hoped was a good attack, I would forget about defense, and BANG, my Queen was lost. He'd let me take my move back and try again, but it was no use.
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'Think carefully', he'd say, and I'd stare at the board, hoping to envision a plan - moves and counter moves. I got nothing. Inevitably, the figures would become people. Sometimes they were families - a Queen-mother and King-father, Bishop-grandmothers and Pawn-children, Knight-dog in the yard of the Rook-bungalow.
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The Queens were fighting a vicious battle, and it was personal.
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For the kings it was more a matter of principle, and they barely got excited at all.
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My favorites were the picasso-esque knights - the only ones with faces. In my father's chess set, every horse is quite unique. One of these is shy and introspective. The other is very outgoing and perhaps a bit gullible.
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Who weeps for the sacrificed pawn?
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The pawns get together and realise the king is their true enemy.
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I remained a very poor chess player. However, the experience may have been useful preparation for my work as a psychotherapist.
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fun set... i love the black and whites!
abbeyh13 · 2007-12-06: 20:08
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Lovely shots. You're very good at photography though!
rolpa · 2007-12-06: 20:09
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Great set (of pictures and pieces). I love chess. I thought the two queens were really funny.
makaid · 2007-12-06: 21:03
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fabulous and fun!
Gumbo · 2007-12-06: 21:05
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You may have remained a poor chess player but I would rather be an artist wouldn't you? Your comment about Picasso was spot on!
kimauman · 2007-12-06: 21:12
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Chess was one of the few things that allowed my father and I to communicate when I was growing up. I've always had a soft spot for the game, because I have played against him more than anyone else. However, I love your series on the game. I used to envision mini revolutions as well, with the pawns overthrowing the king. It helped to distract me from the fact that I could never beat him.
dweiskir · 2007-12-06: 22:14
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but you are a good at photography
Michka43 · 2007-12-07: 02:31
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nice set. #3 in my fav.
????? · 2007-12-07: 03:14
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fabulous pictures with chess nice set
lassaad · 2007-12-07: 04:05
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haha - fun post! you made chess interesting for me in these photos - when it comes to the real game, i'm with you, not that interested!
lexlevans · 2007-12-07: 08:52
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You may not be good at chess, but you know how to make great capures!!! Great job
Karibbean · 2007-12-07: 10:19
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thanks for sharing your stories and the nice pictures =)
Janiee · 2007-12-07: 11:12
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I love this post...most entertaining!! And I can't believe you have a category for anthropomorphism...too good.
Genevieve · 2007-12-07: 15:58
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My experience with chess was very much like yours...only with my Grandfather.... But I just got frustrated.... You turned it into art!
Carley · 2007-12-07: 18:35
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Beautiful set:) Congrats! I love macros!!!
sutbali · 2007-12-07: 18:39
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Fabulous set!
jet28 · 2007-12-09: 04:42
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Julia, this is another great story accompanied with good shots - reportage of the day, or week if I may...
cavist · 2007-12-09: 13:44
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great set, #6 is my fav. :)
parja10 · 2007-12-10: 11:16
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Great narrating and I like the clearness of the second shot
Lumierenatural · 2007-12-10: 14:13
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you are a good photography!
josanhjx · 2007-12-11: 06:18
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me too;) Very great presentation as always
OC110481 · 2007-12-11: 09:37
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so nice... My family likes chess. Not as professional as your father, but they like it. But I am the same as you! I always like to see they are playing. But not to play! Just like to see and think! Well… I'm so thankful for your nice pictures and the explanation. Be happy
Photokina · 2007-12-11: 13:55
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I really like the effect of nearby figures being out of focus as in first and last shots. You always reveal an interesting story ... The knights are so unique - perhaps even handmade?
Sheldon · 2007-12-11: 21:53
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"I'm good at chess" - that is true :) nice set! very well done
mysamokov · 2007-12-12: 01:05
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Nice set!!! I play chess with my youngest daughter, 12 years old, and since 6 years, I'm at the same level: beginner! "The only thing where I can beat you!" she uses to say :))) I do not mind, she is so patient with me...
miclaud · 2007-12-12: 05:29
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The set is handmade, carved in wood. I am enjoying reading everybody's responses, and their chess experiences.
JuliaGotz · 2007-12-12: 07:22
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The set is amazing, and captions amusing, but the category cracked me right up.
tortoise · 2007-12-12: 07:49
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amazing post - the pics are very evocative... chess pawns should be very interesting to photograph... we have one thing in common: my father too is an amazing chess player. today he plays with interactive pawns, on the net :) chess and dad always were one in my head. i, on the other hand, have never tried to give it a real try... i preferred to play the piano while he was making a move on the chess board. by the way, chess was invented by the iranians... food for thought :)
sandmoon · 2007-12-14: 09:54
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Nice chess photos, gives me some ideas to improve my one attempt so far.
backamp · 2008-01-21: 11:13
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