I’ve been playing 5asideCHESS for the last couple of years and using it, along with the conversation starter guide, as a tool for learning and re-learning skills which I try to apply off the board as well as on it. One thing that I have really noticed is that I learn more when I play to learn, than when I play to win. I learn even more when I’m being tutored. In the past, I’ve done mostly playing to win, a tiny amount of playing to learn, and a tiny amount of being tutored so this is a big difference.

Not only is 5asideCHESS really helping me develop and enhance my life skills but I’ve also made some great new friendships through playing. I’m especially grateful for this as it’s not always easy to meet new friends as you get older.