There are lots of chess groups for kids, but Richmond resident and avid chess player Gabriel Pestano thinks there should be more chess for seniors – to keep their minds active in their twilight years.
Pestano, who belongs to the Richmond Chess Club and also plays with fellow Pathways Clubhouse members, will be taking part in a chess tournament for the first time in decades.
He used to play and compete in his native Philippines, so the Canada Day competition at the Airport Executive Hotel will be a throwback for him.
“It’s not so much about winning – just participating is a win,” Pestano said.
Pestano likes the fact chess is a war game, and it’s based on strategy, not on chance like dice or cards.
“You’re basically in control,” he explained.
While he enjoys a competitive game with friends – and will take part in the Canada Day tournament – Pestano also likes to teach other people how to play chess, especially older people.
Chess is a good way to get out of the house and socialize, and it’s also good for focusing and cognitive skills, he explained.
He encourages people interested to drop by the Richmond Chess Club at the library where about 40 people show up every week.
While chess is largely thought of as a European game, most Asian countries have their own version, be it China, Thailand, the Philippines or Japan, Petsamo explained.
He recently learned to play Chinese chess – with the pieces adorned with Chinese characters – which is a version that has no queen. But, like the European version, the point is always to protect your king and checkmate your opponent’s king.
Besides the Canada Day competition, Pestano plans to join an online game on July 16 whereby Croatian grand master Ivan Saric will play simultaneously with several dozen players.
Pestano has struggled with his mental health over the years, but chess has taught him to cope better.
While competing in chess, he has learned to handle defeats and setbacks – and to be patient.
“It’s easy to give up, but if you’re patient, your opponent might make a mistake,” Pestano explained.
Anyone wanting to play chess can join the Richmond Chess Club at Brighouse library any Sunday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. There is no cost to participate.
