#AltText (of link): Astronaut Leland Melvin in an orange flight suit with a U.S. flag in the background on the left and a model of the space shuttle on the right.
He is leaning to the left of the picture, and his two dogs are flanking him. One with his paws on his lap, the other (left) licking his ear.
I'll admit I'm one of those people who Queen's Gambit lit or relit an interest in chess. Before that, I had known the piece movement, but never really got into it. After a brief spark of interest I started playing a friend online who had zero knowledge, and after a year, is consistently crushing me. I don't even have the confidence to play strangers anonymously yet. Anyway, this isn't about me, it's about chess, just thought I'd provide a little background first. 1/2
If you're new to the game, and want to get an idea of how to start, watch this video. He didn't know Pia is a Grandmaster, but even Pia said his teaching was really great. I love his passion. https://youtu.be/7L9NNSadm4g?si=_cIH1O66FhdVWJez