Anarchist Chess

My boy, Kai, joined his school's chess club this fall and has ardently plunged into learning the game. He enjoys setting up the board next to his mom's favorite reading chair and playing both sides of lively matches, complete with violent captures and Star Wars sound effects.


At only five years old, Kai has a long way to go before he masters chess. Yet I think he has already figured out something that a lot of adults don't understand. Running from his chess board to my side, the other day, Kai announced with glee, "I was playing myself and I captured my king but I just kept playing without him!"