3 Things Never to Say to a Woman Chess Player on a Dinner Date

Chess Blog for Daily Chess News and Trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2014

Hello everyone,

Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in Pretty Woman, 1990

It's one of those chess etiquette things you seldom get around to discussing. Here's a fun take on the 3 things never to say to a woman chess player, particularly if she plays strong! ;)

1- I am looking for a mate
For heavens, that's the worst you could ever get. She will henceforth always be on her guard watching out for all the possible "pins, forks and assorted tactics" you could use to swindle her - on and off the board. Try wording that sentence differently if you must say it.  

2- You're pretty
Let's be clear, beauty and intelligence do go together. Strong women chess players are 'pretty' much aware of their strengths and praising them straight to their face won't cut much ice. They are good looking and know it. It's best that you have already gone through some of her games and can say 'That was a beautiful combination'! Consider also reading our interesting discussion Psychology: Are Beauty and IQ related?

3- What is your opinion on the Berlin after Magnus Carlsen used it at the world chess championship or any such chess-related question!

True! Strong women chess players have so many things to talk about other than chess. The last thing they want to do is be a chess tutor on a dinner date. They are multi-faceted earthlings without a nerdy image. 12th Women's World Chess Champion Alexandra Kosteniuk is a model, indulges in photography, creative writing, cooking and even tries karaoke singing from time to time apart from being a travel buff writing hotel reviews for a Russian site. She's also an ambassador for Sports and Peace. Former US Women's Chess Champion Jennifer Shahade and Former French Women's Chess Champion Almira Skripchenko are top-notch poker players. Reigning Women's World Chess Champion Hou Yifan is at university and already considering exploring life apart from chess instead of defending her title this year! Be ready to talk about any subject - from astronomy to dolphins - with a chess player. She would be up to the challenge.

We hope these tips will stand you in good stead. Keep us updated with your chess adventures. ;)

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's

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