Bridging Generations: A 106-Year-Old and a 6-Year-Old Connect Through Chess in Port Hueneme

Chess Match Bridges Generations in Port Hueneme

PORT HUENEME, Calif. — In a heartwarming display of intergenerational connection, a game of chess is uniting two players separated by a century. One is a sprightly 106 years old, while the other is a curious six-year-old, both engaging in a match that transcends age and highlights the timeless appeal of the game.

As the pieces were set and the match commenced, onlookers couldn’t help but wonder, “Good luck. Who’s gonna win?” Yet, as the two players focused on the chessboard, the age gap seemed to vanish, replaced by a shared passion for strategy and competition.

For children, chess serves as a valuable lesson in patience, critical thinking, and resilience. “At first, when I didn’t know how to play, I thought, ‘I can’t do it. Like, I can’t win or something,’” shared one young player. “But then, when you keep playing, it gives you experience, and then you win.”

Alexis Minie from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme expressed her delight in witnessing the intensity of the games. “It’s fun to see kids focusing on something other than a screen,” she noted. “The strategy it teaches, the patience it instills, and the ability to think three moves ahead in life are invaluable.”

Art Mortell, an 86-year-old chess teacher and author, has been instrumental in establishing chess clubs throughout the region. He emphasizes the game’s role in fostering critical thinking skills. “Whoever can think the most moves into the future invariably wins,” Mortell explained. He often challenges children with a thought-provoking question: would they prefer to win and learn nothing or lose and improve? “They always say, ‘I want to lose and get better,’” he said, highlighting their eagerness to learn.

Mortell also believes chess can be a positive outlet for children grappling with anxiety and stress. “Chess may be the greatest positive addiction that can be, particularly for children,” he remarked.

For older players like John Randolph, chess offers a different kind of mental workout. “It teaches a lot of thought. It requires a lot of thought,” he said, though when asked if he applies any chess lessons to everyday life, he humorously replied, “No.”

As laughter and friendly banter filled the air, it became clear that chess is more than just a game; it’s a bridge connecting generations, fostering friendships, and keeping minds sharp. Across Port Hueneme and beyond, the chessboard continues to serve as a platform for learning, growth, and connection—one piece at a time.