Stories about the hobbies of "old chess players"

Late afternoon, at familiar street corners on Quang Trung, Phan Dinh Phung or Cach Mang Thang Tam streets… under the ancient sycamore trees, young banyan trees or small roadside cafes, the “old generals” of the street gather again, starting an afternoon game of chess.

Playing chess is an elegant hobby and a way for the elderly to live happily, healthily and meaningfully.

Playing chess - an elegant pastime has become an indispensable habit of many people in their old age. The streets become more interesting with the sound of chess pieces hitting the wooden table, the sound of lively discussions, and the sound of laughter after a winning or drawing game in the hustle and bustle of the rush hour.

They met unexpectedly. The one who arrived early set up the table and made tea, the one who arrived late tiptoed to set up the small chair, nodding and greeting each other with friendly eyes. Before the game was even started, one could feel the relaxation in their hearts and the friendly smiles on their faces.

At the corner of a barber shop on Le Huu Trac Street, Quyet Thang Ward, Mr. Tran Van Kiem, a former elementary school teacher, hunched over an old plastic chair. His eyes lit up every time he looked at the chessboard. His hands were shaking, but the chess pieces were still firmly placed. He said: In the past, I was busy with teaching, so I only played chess as a small hobby. But since retiring, I have turned to chess as a way to balance my memory and emotions.

"Chess helps me keep the flow in my head. When thinking about moves, my brain has to work. When analyzing opponents, I concentrate," said Nguyen Van Hung, sitting next to me. Mr. Hung said that on rainy days, when he couldn't go, he felt like something was missing.

Not only Mr. Kiem and Mr. Hung, at many street corners, coffee shops, barber shops or parks... every afternoon, dozens of elderly people come to play or watch chess. Regardless of age, occupation or past, they call each other by simple names: "old chess player", "old general"...

Mr. Nguyen Van Mao, Dai Phuc commune shared: Playing chess is a way for me to enjoy my old age. Here, people forget about age, only people make good moves and people make bad moves. When I am checkmated, I laugh, but when I win, I am happy. Each move is a time to train my spirit and mind.

Mr. Mao had suffered a mild stroke, the after-effects of which made him walk slowly. But since his recovery, he has practiced walking and watched others play chess. Gradually, he joined in and became a "master" respected by many. Mr. Mao said that the beauty of chess is that it does not require much strength, only observation and patience. Old people lack exercise, but if their minds are still sharp, life is still fun and meaningful.

Mr. Mao finished speaking and focused on the chess game he was playing. According to experts on psychology and the elderly, playing chess, especially Chinese chess, brings many significant benefits: Preserving memory, preventing dementia because each move requires analysis, imagination and reflexes, helping the brain stay active, reducing the risk of Alzheimer's; creating positive habits: going out, meeting, chatting helps the elderly avoid isolation, improve mood, reduce depression; practice patience...

Although this activity is meaningful, the reality is that not all localities have suitable spaces for the elderly to play chess. Some public areas lack seats, shelter from rain and sun, or inadequate lighting at night.

Mr. Trinh Nhu Binh, Chairman of Hung Son Chess Club (Dai Phuc Commune) shared: Although the club is newly established, it has attracted more than 10 members. We have participated in the provincial Chess competition and won the first prize overall. In the coming time, we hope that the local government will pay more attention to the spiritual life of the elderly, such as investing in a few stone chess boards and a few fixed chairs at the cultural house.

As the afternoon falls, the sound of chess pieces somewhere echoes. There is no rush, only old friends enjoying every relaxing minute of their old age, and it is a way to live happily, healthily, and meaningfully in the midst of everyday life.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/xa-hoi/202508/chuyen-ve-thu-vui-cua-nhung-lao-co-tuong-b254ce3/