A Global Valentine’s Day Present

We love chess at ChessKid. Chess is such a fascinating game with endless possibilities. We love chess because you can play it anywhere, create new ideas and learn to think ahead, and it is never boring. We love learning chess trivia and history that I never knew before. But, honestly, the best thing about chess is creating new friendships.

The ability of the game of chess to connect us to others is a hugely important part of the game.

Regardless of whether you live in a big city or the middle of nowhere, an internet connection is all that is needed. Log on to ChessKid on any day of the week or time of the day and one will find players of all backgrounds, levels and from all the world to play a game of chess.

It’s so amazing that one moment you are opposing another player with such intensity and the next minute you are laughing together as you analyze the game.

We recommend kids join online clubs, do lessons, get chess coaching, and play in tournaments as a great way to start making new friends while they are learning the game of chess.

As we work everyday to introduce ChessKid in countries across the globe, it's always amazing to see chess players becoming friends despite not speaking each other’s language. Yet, it makes sense, since chess is a universal language where we all can easily communicate and connect.

This Valentine’s Day, we asked members of our intrepid international staff what they love about chess and this is what some had to share:

FunMasterMike, based everywhere at all times:

 "I love that when I play a really great chess game, time stands still, I forget about everything else in life, and I have that game as part of my memory forever. No other movie, vacation, or other pastime is so permanently a part of me after I do it."

Tereza Pribanova, based in London:

“My life has been so much richer because of my love of chess. I’ve traveled to far-flung places, made life-long friends from all over the world and I’m even in a relationship with someone that I met at a chess tournament! Plus, because of chess, I have a wonderful job as the Director of ChessKid’s International Growth.” 

Carey Fan, based in California:

"I LOVE chess because it’s like filled with drama: there’s conflict, loss, pain…but also incredible teamwork and joy. No other game makes me feel like I’ve just climbed the highest mountain. For me, it’s the perfect game!"

Naomi/LadyWolf, based in Portland:

"I love that learning how to play chess at 8 years old, lead me to the opportunity for working with some of the best people around the world! Chesscom/ChessKid is my second family and I love them dearly ."

Ognian Mikov, based in Bulgaria:

"I instantly fell in love with the game when my dearest grandad taught me how to play it. I was 7 years old at the time and it has been a massive part in my life since then. I studied masterpieces of the great players, took part in tournaments all over the world and wrote articles about chess. For me, it is much more than just a game. It is a passion that will stay in my heart forever. No matter what I go through, chess is always there to make me smile and to make my day better."

Andrea Garrison, based in Michigan:

“I love that chess is a lifelong game and I will never get bored. Also, it helps with other aspects of my life - creativity, overcoming challenges, persistence, losing gracefully, and learning from others.”

To celebrate our love of chess on Valentine's Day, we are offering our first-ever Global Valentine’s Day Special -- 30% off a new Gold Membership, right now. Get ChessKid Gold as your first step towards creating lifelong connections with others who love chess.  

Click the photo below for the promo!  Happy Valentine’s Day from ChessKid!