home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Experimental BBS Explossion 3
/
Experimental BBS Explossion III.iso
/
chess
/
eoc93.zip
/
EOC221.TXT
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1994-01-05
|
3KB
|
76 lines
EVANS ON CHESS
By GM Larry Evans
February 21, 1992
THE TROUBLE WITH CHESS
Chess is the most democratic game in the world. Anyone can go as far
and rise as high as his ability allows -- rich, poor, invalid, inmate.
It has been said that chess, like love, like music, has the power to
make men happy. Children learn its simple rules, duffers succumb to its
temptation. "On the chessboard, lies and hypoocrisy do not survive
long," said Emanuel Lasker, who held the crown for 27 years.
If chess is so great, if a blitz game can take only ten minutes, if a
cheap set can last a lifetime, if 30 million Americans can play, then
why isn't it more popular over here?
The United States Chess Federation (USCF) has the task of extending the
role of chess in American society. Formed in 1939, it grosses about $5
million yearly, owns its building, and has over 30 employees who rate
players, sell merchandise, and produce a monthly magazine CHESS LIFE
plus PAWN AND QUEEN for use in schools (1-800-388-5464).
The USCF is "structured to ensure effective democratic procedures in
accord with its bylaws." But out of 60,000 dues-paying members, only
some 350 insiders can elect the policy board. Allan Fifield, who
founded a chess club in California, complained in a letter to the USCF:
I have been a member since 1974. Since that time I have
loyally supported USCF by organizing many tournaments and
selling numerous memberships. It is fair to say that
there would be no USCF in the Visalia area without my
efforts. Yet I never voted in any election for any office
in 'my' USCF and without radical change I never will.
Last summer I observed the annual Delegates meeting and was
horrified by the many bitter personal attacks and general
tone of the meeting. Some specific events come to mind:
For example, a prominent delegate denounced a 'one man one
vote' motion in biting tones as 'ridiculous' and not worthy
of consideration. He then successfully moved to table the
motion to prevent any further discussion. Reasonable men
could differ on this proposal but it was worthy of full and
fair discussion.
I no longer have much desire to promote or belong to a
volunteer organization that does not provide its members
with a clear route to voting rights. The USCF is now
controlled by those with the time, energy, and money to be
involved in state affiliate politics. This is unhealthy for
American chess.
Indeed, the only trouble with chess is chess politics. Yet many players
just want to improve their game and don't give a hoot about a bunch of
power brokers playing musical chairs on the board. Direct election by
the rank and file won't cure all ills, but at least candidates can be
held accountable with their policies debated openly instead of behind
closed doors.
The USCF has fewer members now than at the peak of the Fischer boom in
the 70s, and retention rates are iffy. There is no democratic consent
in its archaic structure, hence no proper input from below. How long
can it continue to squander its most precious resource and best
salesmen -- its own members?
******************************************************************************
(Copyright CHESSTOURS)