Haven't played chess for over 20 years, so I'd not rate myself at all these days, but the lad that taught me chess told me how his brother had taught him chess and told him " You never end up beating the person who teaches you how to play". He never beat his brother after being told that. He said the same thing to me and, eventually, when I got the hang of it I was beating him more than he was beating me. He was grand about it but I could always see him looking a bit baffled about how something so strongly imprinted into his mind didn't turn out to be true. He was a good lad, no freaking or anything. It's just funny how something you are led to believe can have such a strong imprint.
Regarding chess, itself. I loved it at the time but it can get too intense. If two people are really into it and want to win, it can take a few hours and the intesity isn't healthy, especially when one loses. Great game but awkward at the finish, when so much energy has been put into it.
