[javajive]

I played chess extensively as a young girl. I was in chess club throughout elementary and middle school. Friday night was tournament night. I was always the only girl there in a room of 100 guys. It's extremely daunting - especially because idiot elementary boys will make smug comments about getting an "easy" victory because they're playing The Girl. There was nothing more satisfying than watching their faces as I dismantled them move by move. It's a huge confidence builder to be underestimated and then win. I credit playing chess with my ability to stick it out in tech as I experience a lot of the same smug sexism. If you have a daughter that you want to be involved in tech, I highly highly recommend playing chess with her. It's a huge confidence builder and a great place where the only thing that matters is how good she is at the game.