#837 Giant chess gives me a giant sized smile…

As I have written in a previous post, one of my favorite games to play is chess. I have played it since I was a kid and had gotten very good at it as a result. I used to play any chance I got and was always ready to set up the chess board and spend as much time as it took to deliver my strategy to my opponent. Chess was one of those games for me that, win or lose, you could always find me smiling while I played.

Today, we have so many options when it comes to chess play. It used to be the pinnacle of chess was those expensive marble sets with the felt bottomed chess pieces and the built-in electronic timer (not that I had one of these with dragons and knights, I’m just saying). Now, we have travel sets, cheap sets, expensive sets and electronic chess available on every electronic device imaginable. For an avid chess player, it’s a wonderland of chess!

Care for a Game of Giant Chess?

If asked what my favorite form of chess play is as an adult, I would have to say that it’s Giant Chess. I am not sure if that is the actual name for it, but that’s what I call it and it seems very accurate. Giant Chess are those large chess boards and 3 foot tall chess pieces that can be found in parks all across the country and in fact, all over the world. I first saw the game played this way in a park in Wiesbaden, Germany. They combine the intellectual game of chess with some much needed fresh air and sunshine. I like to think of it as an extra workout once or twice a week as lugging around those giant chess pieces for a couple of hours tends to take its toll on you, but in a good way.

There is something about playing chess outdoors in general that makes me happy, but playing chess with ridiculously large chess pieces is even more fun! It also helps you work on your strategy and there are less wasted moves. Remember, every time you make your move, you have to carry that giant chess piece across the board. And, as a little chess history lesson, because here at 1Ksmiles we like to drop a little knowledge and learning on you, the longest decisive chess game is Stepak-Mashian, played in Israel in 1980, that took 193 moves and 24 hours 30 minutes to complete. Imagine doing that with a giant rook to drag around!

If you want a smile, play a game of chess. If you want a fun filled afternoon that will have you laughing out loud, play a game of giant chess. Chances are, there is a park near you with a board all set up! And if not, you can get a set of your very own and play in your yard. I am thinking to get a set and move the couch to the side and play in the living room.

Have you ever played Giant Chess? Do you even call it that? Where did you play? What was your experience? Click here to leave a comment and share your opinion and experience. Would love to hear from you.