Old age is still holding on, but youth is “gnawing away” at it.
We have not yet reached a consensus on the aging process in draughts. Is it beneficial to continue playing into old age, or is it detrimental? However, we are certain of one thing. The best thing a mature individual can do for their favorite sport is to bring in new players and encourage them to continue playing into old age.
As the famous saying goes: “A man should plant a tree, raise a son, and, if possible, write a book…” It is desirable to write a book about draughts. And if not a son, then at least students and followers. It is also desirable that the students become stronger than the teacher. Otherwise, some train and train… They train and train… but the students can’t seem to surpass their teacher-coach. And the coach walks around all lonely, important, and selfish. And he hangs another medal on himself at the age of 50+. And the students are not thrilled with such a leader.
So is it good to play after that…? Or is it better to raise students and leave them in your place? And go yourself, for example… fishing or to the bathhouse? True, that’s if you have someone to go with and something to go with… And also, if you want to live a varied life… And not shut yourself off in self-love. And not just play draughts, and nothing but draughts, after passing the age of potential maturity. But let’s leave philosophy aside…
This weekend, there are championships in one federation, in the Rapid and Blitz programs. And we like that the young are “gnawing away” at the old and not-so-old players. It’s about time…