I’ve had this discussion with my wife a few times in the past.
But I’d like to get your feedback on this ’cause as you can
imagine, I think I’m right. :o) But sometimes we can be wrong
without having a clue of what’s right or wrong. Which is why
I wanted to ask your opinion to see if I’m doing the right
thing or not.
You see, I’ve been playing chess with my 7 year old son
since he was 5. I taught him all the basic moves and rules.
We like to play a lot because it’s a good bonding time
for the both of us, plus we enjoy each other’s company.
To this date, he hasn’t beaten me yet. However, I have
to admit that he’s getting better and better every time.
My wife has suggested for me to let him win, but I disagree
with her because I feel that he wouldn’t learn from that
kind of win.
Here’s my theory behind this and why I haven’t let him win:
Every time I beat him at a game of chess, I feel like he learns
from his mistakes in addition to learning from my victories.
I don’t believe that he will learn anything if I would allow him
to win.
You see, the average chess player can only plan on average
3-4 moves ahead. But I have seen that my son is able to see
what I am up to now as opposed to how we use to play a year
ago. He now seems to pay more attention to his king as
opposed to just going after my king.
In your opinion, and I ask you to tell me honestly. Do you
think that I should let him win some games? Would that help
his self esteem in any way and become a better chess player?
Or am I going the correct route by not letting him win so he
can learn from his mistakes?
Please comment below. I will be greatly appreciated with your
feedback. :o)
Leonel
