Paranoia and the breakdown

Paranoia strikes deep

Into your life it will creep

It starts when you're always afraid

You step out of line, the man come and take you away

What's going on between topalov and Kramnik is pretty sad. Chess has clearly had a breakdown of societal rules. Which can be good. Its time we rebuilt them philosophically without the help of lawyers. I propose chess should follow an outline of the most valuable human and societal qualities mankind has discovered. The nature of chess is the nature of social interaction and expression after all.

1. Deference, both for those who are older and those with experience in the game. Thanks to Confucius the Chinese have utilized this idea for thousands of years...Resulting in much stability between generations.

2. Honor, win with honor, lose with honor

3. Virtue, I hear it is its own reward

4. A chessplayer should never allow another to make a decision regarding the game for him. This comprimises his own morality, puts his dignity on the line and creates a buffer between the decision and himself, leaving too much grey area of responsibility.

5. When a move or rule comes into question regarding its legality, question it only humbly and always offer to play it through even if you are positive it is not legal. This creates a mature and dignified atmosphere, allows the opponent to save face, gives the opponent a reason to respect yourself and the game and resonates a tone for future games.