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What do you come out of chess with? I've spent a lot of time playing computer games, they sparked a love of history, geography, technology, new kinds of music,

by ksdale 6y ago

What do you come out of chess with? I've spent a lot of time playing computer games, they sparked a love of history, geography, technology, new kinds of music, they've informed my taste and sense of humor, and helped me be more circumspect when it comes to life "strategy". Without the love of history, I never would have gotten into chess, either, but it is something I enjoy. At any given time, it would have looked an awful lot like sinking countless hours into one game. Currently, jumping on a Discord call and playing with friends is an excellent substitution for social visit. Everyone has hobbies, and personally, I don't think the specific hobby matters as much as pursuing something with the possibility of intellectual growth.

kazinator 6y ago
I suspect that chess will hone your ability to analyze, categorize and prioritize the cases occurring in a complex situation that has many possibilities. Poor case analysis in chess leads to easy defeat.
jiofih 6y ago
I think you missed the point here. It is not about the benefits of chess or minecraft, but the fact that he started sinking all of his available time into it, and hence didn’t participate in other activities anymore (such as playing chess). Games and videos are notoriously addictive.
- ksdale 6y ago
  I understand that, I just don't think it's a problem. I've spent my life being obsessed with things. Sometimes the obsession lasts a few years, sometimes it lasts a few days, and the sum of being focused on one thing to the exclusion of all else is being a very well-rounded person. Presumably the nephew is still a child, and presumably he will move on to other things as he gets older. I'll eat my words if he ends up a 60 year old who regrets spending his life playing Minecraft. Then again, if he is a 60 year old who was productive and happy and spent his free time playing Minecraft without regret, that would also be fine, no?

by ksdale 6y ago

kazinator 6y ago

I suspect that chess will hone your ability to analyze, categorize and prioritize the cases occurring in a complex situation that has many possibilities. Poor case analysis in chess leads to easy defeat.

jiofih 6y ago

I think you missed the point here. It is not about the benefits of chess or minecraft, but the fact that he started sinking all of his available time into it, and hence didn’t participate in other activities anymore (such as playing chess). Games and videos are notoriously addictive.

ksdale 6y ago
I understand that, I just don't think it's a problem. I've spent my life being obsessed with things. Sometimes the obsession lasts a few years, sometimes it lasts a few days, and the sum of being focused on one thing to the exclusion of all else is being a very well-rounded person. Presumably the nephew is still a child, and presumably he will move on to other things as he gets older. I'll eat my words if he ends up a 60 year old who regrets spending his life playing Minecraft. Then again, if he is a 60 year old who was productive and happy and spent his free time playing Minecraft without regret, that would also be fine, no?