It is free time at a summer camp we have lovingly dubbed “nerd camp”. For one hour, we are free to do whatever we choose, within reason. Many of us watch television – the World Cup games are exciting, after all. Some go outside and play in the sun. Yet an entire group of people do neither of these things.

Instead of watching soccer – World Cup is only on so much of the time – or playing outside (and getting all sweaty and gross), around ten people chose to watch chess.

The idea of watching chess anywhere else but “nerd camp” may be strange. It is very hard to invite a friend over and ask them to play chess. While chess is certainly a fun game, given many other options, it’s usually not a person’s first choice.

The keyword in the above sentence, however, was “given many other options”. Because unlike inviting friends over, when there aren’t many options, chess becomes a strangely interesting thing to do. Even when you aren’t playing, there’s something strangely interesting about chess.

And so, having discovered this new passion, many of us decided to even skip the World Cup games on television. Instead, we grab a bag of chips and dip and sit down in the hallway to watch the chess game.

It’s much less exciting than television – commentating is generally frowned on, and concentration requires peace and quiet. Chess is not exciting. It is, however, strangely riveting.

It’s interesting what people will do when options are taken away. But when they’re given back, it’s strange what they won’t leave behind.

Food for thought.