The Chess Prince

Knowledge is the best form of self defence.

Three years later, a vivid dream became a reality. At 12 years old, Yotam Meir-Li became an accidental celebrity. Yotam became a symbol of self mastery, neurodiversity, courage, dedication, and perseverance. He knew he could beat his adversaries with his intelligence. No one was going to block his vision, even though they thought they could. To keep himself in check, he had a personal saying, “Autism cannot make me weak. It only makes me stronger and smarter.”

Life for Yotam was bittersweet. Yotam was an only child to a Chinese mother and an Israeli father. The family lived in a beige, retro-style apartment building in Sderot, Israel. Yotam was very close with his family, especially his father Nissim, a chess coach. When Yotam was 7 years old, the family dynamic slowly became toxic. After his mother Qixia’s younger sister tragically and suddenly died in a car accident in her home country, Qixia’s world became a ugly one. Her depression became unmanageable to the point where she couldn’t shower, eat as much as she used to, leave the house, and work. As her mental health began to deteriorate, she had to close down her handicraft business, and would constantly get into nasty verbal altercations with Nissim. The home was no longer a safe haven. It became an indoor battlefield that Yotam couldn’t escape. The chaos led to Nissim abruptly kicking her out of the family home, and she never came back since the day he kicked her out. Yotam was only 8 years old when his parents separated, and it took a major toll on Yotam’s emotional wellbeing.

Having no friends in school or in the community, his social wellbeing wasn’t any better for him. Kids never wanted to play with him or invite him to any school or community functions, because they thought that he was “a disabled, bizarre, anti-social boy who never talked to anyone, and just sat around and played mobile math games on his phone all the time”. Kids would not only make snide remarks about the way he spent his time, but would also physically attack him, make fun of him and his geeky appearance, and spit out a bunch of racial slurs, because he was bi-racial. Most of his teachers, except his science and math teachers, weren’t able to support him, because they never had the patience to help students on the spectrum. They valued the neurotypical students more than students like him. Since many of his teachers never supported him academically and emotionally, he was left in the dark. He’d fail most of his exams and quizzes, would refuse to speak in most of his classes, and would take naps in class. Mathematics and science were his favourite school subjects. He loved participating in science experiments, and most of all, he loved solving mathematical problems. He was a devoted, hard-working, polite, humble, and enthusiastic student of his math and science classes. He’d receive multiple awards for these subjects, because he never received anything less than an A+. Since he was well-liked by both his math and science teacher, he automatically became the teachers pet.

The bullying he endured in school gradually turned him into a zombie. He’d come home from school balling his eyes out, rush up to his bedroom without greeting his father, and would even scream in his sleep every night. Every morning, he’d refuse to get out of bed, so Nissim would have to put his hands on Yotam’s skinny and fragile ankles and gently drag him out of bed. Yotam strongly resented his father for torturing him like that every morning. School bus trips to and from school were like going on trips to and from hell. He hated the school bus just as much as school itself, because that’s where kids would slap his glasses off his gaunt face, poke him when he slept, grab him by the hair, throw empty food wrappers at him, and make him fall as he was getting off the bus. At times, Yotam had thoughts of quitting school and learning at home, but Nissim didn’t think of letting him do something like that, because he believed that homeschooling him would lessen his ability to adapt and be a part of the real world.

After Qixia left the family home, chess became a major part of Yotam’s life. Nissim, a loving, intelligent, and supportive man who always stood by Yotam’s side in times of vulnerability, began teaching him how to play chess. Chess not only became a hobby that Yotam pursued, but also became his antidepressant that his father would administer to him. By playing chess, all Yotam had to do was focus on the pieces he was moving, the chessboard, and the tactics he needed to win the game. It strengthened his self-confidence, made him stand proud and tall, and gave him a chance to bond with his dad. Within a month of playing, Yotam was able to play without any issue. A fast learner and a brilliant young boy with a logical/mathematical mind, chess naturally came easy to him.

Summer break began, which meant that Yotam could take a long mental vacation from his enemies, the classes he dreaded, and those anxiety-provoking bus rides that’d make his stomach hurt like a hundred bruises. His plans were to embrace the fresh air and sunshine, smell the fragrance of the flowers, hear the music of nature, indulge in his favourite summer treats, read graphic novels in Hebrew and Mandarin, solve math puzzles on his phone, sleep for as long as his heart desired, and play endless games of chess in the small, egg yolk-yellow living room of the two-bedroom apartment him and his dad resided in.

When Yotam happily hopped out of bed one morning, he discovered the magic of the first day of summer vacation. An alarm clock wasn’t necessary, because the singing birds he heard from his bedroom window became his new alarm clock. The sunlight pulled him out of bed, making it easier for him to see everything around him as he rose and shined. Still in his red-plaid pyjama pants, navy-blue Iron Maiden graphic T-shirt, and black fleece slippers, he silently made his way to the milk-white, cinnamon, brown sugar, Biscoff, and pancake-infused kitchen, where he found his dad whipping up concocting his famous homemade Biscoff and cinnamon waffles. As Yotam made his way to the dining room table, an unexpected idea came to his mind. He was quietly debating whether he should share it with Nissim or not. His hands full and his mind busy getting breakfast set up for him and his son, Yotam grabbed his attention.

“Abba”, Yotam called out.

“Yes my son”, Nissim responded, softly and gently.

“I don’t know if I told you this a few weeks before summer vacation started, but I saw a Facebook ad for a chess tournament that is taking place in Ima’s hometown. Is it okay if I join the chess tournament this coming August?”, Yotam queried, anxious for an answer.

“Of course son. You’ve been playing for such a long time, and you’re such a gifted player, so why not?! At least, you’ll be with Ima during your stay in Beijing, so I don’t see why it should be an issue for me!”, Nissim gave in.

Filled with pure contentment, Yotam put his arms up, walked up to Nissim, and gifted him with a nice, big hug, thanking him for the approval of going to Beijing for the chess tournament. Since Yotam took on chess in the second grade, he dreamed of being a chess prince, a stepping stone to becoming a chess master.

“I’ll message Ima on Facebook, and tell her that you’ve allowed me to travel to Beijing to join the chess tournament!”, Yotam notified his dad.

“Sounds good!”, Nissim exclaimed, with a small smile on his face.

Now that the chess tournament was just a few months away, Yotam had plenty of time to practice his chess skills. Most of his days consisted of lengthy chess games with his father on the balcony or in the favourite spot of the apartment- the egg yolk-yellow living room/board game library. He had very little time to get lost in the world of graphic novels and mobile games, because he had to invest most of his leisure time in preparing for the chess tournament, but that was good for him. For him, the less time he spent on his own, the mentally better he’ll be. He’s spent so much time alone during the school year that he eventually got sick of it. Summer vacation was a time when he needed and wanted his father the most.

Within an hour of playing their first round, Yotam heard a melodic, flute-like sound coming from his bedroom. He surmised that one of the birds from outside was singing again, but he discovered that it was his phone. He had a ringtone that’d always make that type of sound.

When he went into his bedroom, he grabbed his phone that was lying on his brown wooden nightstand, and saw an impromptu Facebook message from his mom. When he saw this message, he was consumed with feelings of consternation, but in a positive way.

“My dear son. It’s been so long since we’ve spoken. I'm sorry for not being the mother I used to be. I'm sorry for causing chaos in the home to the point where your father had no choice but to kick me out. Since your aunt suddenly died, I've never been the same. She and I weren't just sisters, we were best friends. We were two peas in a pod. Losing my sister was like losing an valuable object that I'll never find again. That's when I became sick with depression. Depression has not only taken a major toll on me, but also you and your father. For that, I am truly sorry. I should have put my issues aside, and focused on you, because you are my everything. You are the most caring, loving, unique, and kindhearted son one could ever ask for. Just because you are neurodiverse, that doesn't mean you are less than. I didn't leave because of you or because you have autism. You having autism is why you are such a special boy. I love you dearly, and I will never stop loving you. Please remember that. Xoxoxox."

Once he read that heartwarming, emotional message, he became red in the face. He cried inexorably, and his love towards his mother became stronger than ever before. A couple minutes after he contained himself, he responded to her.

"Ima. Thank you so much for taking the time to send me a Facebook message. You don't know how much this really means to me. I'm very lucky to have a mother like you, and you are the reason why I refuse to give up on communicating in Mandarin and reading and writing in Chinese. When I speak Mandarin, and read and write in Chinese, I'm connecting with my heritage and you. To change the topic, I saw an interesting Facebook ad for a chess tournament that is taking place in your hometown this coming September. Abba said it was okay for me to travel to Beijing, so I can join the tournament. Since that is the case, I was wondering if I can stay with you and your extended family during my stay. If it's okay with you, please get back to me as soon as possible. Thanks, Yotam".

A couple minutes later, Qixia responded to the message Yotam sent out.

"That'd be lovely, my dear! When you arrive in Beijing, grandma and I will be there, waiting for you. I am so excited to hug and kiss you again, just like when you were a just a precious little gem".

Since the day Qixia and Yotam had an emotional exchange through Facebook messenger, he's been more grateful and satisfied than ever before.

Eight weeks of summer break flew by rapidly, and Yotam didn't just continue playing chess games with his dad, but was also constantly studying the moves, strategies, and the pieces, so he can have the theoretical knowledge he needed beforehand. Both the practical and theoretical knowledge started to boost his confidence, lessening his anxiety and feeling psychologically prepared to enter this eventful part of his life story.

A week after summer vacation came to a halt, the Meir-Li household became a preoccupied place. Nissim had to cancel his plans with friends, to help his son pack and prepare for the upcoming chess tournament. Yotam was elated that he had the chance to miss school, because the thought and feeling of returning to school made him gag and cough in complete disgust. Returning to school was like returning to a juvenile detention centre for him. Determined to prove the world they're wrong and he's right, Yotam tirelessly studied and played with his dad. He was not going to let himself loose this tournament, and to make that possible, he had to work hard to earn the title of "1st place winner". Continuously picturing himself standing proudly with his golden trophy, a golden medal around his neck, smiling for the cameras, and being a well-known chess prodigy with autism motivated him.

A few days after summer vacation ended, Yotam bid farewell to Sderot, Israel, as he approached his dad's red Toyota Corolla Cross LE. An hour later, Nissim and Yotam arrived at the famous, luxurious, golden-bricked Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, Israel. As Yotam exited the car, he raised him arms in the air, walked up to his dad, and gave hugged him goodbye. It was nerve-wracking for both Yotam and his dad, because Yotam has never been on a plane by himself, and Nissim will be without his angelic, brilliant, affectionate, and peaceful son for a month and a half. Home won't have the same feeling with Yotam away from home, but Nissim knew that his son was safe in the hands of his mother and extended family in China.

Twelve hours later, Yotam safely arrived at the Beijing Capital International Airport. As he approached the water fountain inside the airport, he heard a couple of familiar but forgotten voices a few feet away. As he turned around, he discovered that his grandma and Qixia were so excited to see him that they ran up to him and embraced him for two minutes straight. After everything was okay, he, Qixia, and his grandmother made their merry way to the parking lot, got in the white Honda Civic, and drove to the cozy, small, red-bricked, and ancient house Qixia dwelled in since she returned to Beijing.

When he entered the house, his energy levels started to drop. A long plane ride wore him out to the point where he didn't want to do anything but sleep in the tiny, eucalyptus oil-infused, immaculate, lime-green painted bedroom that his grandmother reserved for guests. That was going to be his temporary bedroom and safe space. As Yotam put his things away neatly in the corners, put on his white and green-striped pyjamas, and started laying down on the large, warm, fragrant, and cozy bed, Qixia brought him a warm cup of peppermint tea, gave him a goodnight kiss on the cheek, and Yotam dozed off within seconds.

As soon as he woke up to the pleasant sound of his grandmother's singing and the fresh, savoury, and sweet smell of white rice, Chinese sausage, and assorted vegetables, he knew he was going to enter the tournament room with confidence and pride. After a pleasant, nourishing breakfast with his mother and grandmother, Yotam went back upstairs to brush his layered, collarbone-length black hair, changed into his white, long-sleeve dress shirt, black chino pants, and put his aviator-style glasses back. Eager to dash out and get to the tournament on time, Yotam hurried to the washroom to brush his teeth, before coming back down to bid his mom and grandmother goodbye. Once those shiny brown loafers were on Yotam's feet, he dashed out the door, so he could be right on time for the tournament.

Twenty minutes later, Yotam entered the white and black coloured, banquet-style tournament room. He put on a huge smile, masking his nerves with courage and positivity. Hundreds of young contestants aged 7-12 from all over the world sat next to each other at the assigned tables. With a shy but polite look, Yotam got himself situated at his assigned table, once he finished checking himself in. Across from him sat a tall-for-his-age, scrawny, thick blonde haired Russian boy. They exchanged looks and Yotam proudly introduced himself, not someone he typically did when he met someone new.

The start of the chess tournament was only seconds away. Once the instructions were given to all the contestants, and announcements were made, the kids began playing. Destined to succeed and win, Yotam dived right into the game. He was white, and his opponent was black. This was going to be a day long event, which meant that he had more time to play and meet other young chess prodigy’s from across the globe. As a young boy with autism, social interaction was always a pain, so interacting with other young contestants will help him overcome his social difficulties.

As the day progressed, luck was on its merry way. Yotam was already able to win five games of chess, leaving his opponent to silently suffer from jealousy and disappointment. Autism was not just a disorder that he lived with for his whole life, but also a superpower that no one could ever get. Playing and mastering the game of chess was a superpower that not many people his age could easily get.

Eventually, the chess tournament came to an end. The judges ordered the contestants to stop playing, so they can hear the final announcements. As everyone began listening to every single word said in the announcements, Yotam was internally shaking, eager to find out who the winners were. Seeds of hope were immediately planted in his mind and spirit, because of how exceptionally well he played against that Russian boy.

Within minutes, Yotam was declared to be the “1st place winner” of the International Children’s Chess Tournament of Beijing. Consumed with pride, Yotam ran up to the stand, shook the coaches hand, received his well-earned golden trophy and medal, and smiled for the cameras. Once the final announcements were made and the winners were declared, all the contestants embraced Yotam, because of how special he was.

A day after the tournament ended, Yotam became omnipresent. Everyone from around the world started to learn about him, appreciating and idolizing him. As a result of his instant fame, his father gave him a ring and told him something that stuck to him like a piece of tape in his brain.

“Son, you will not believe how proud I am of you. For many years, you’ve been trying to prove society wrong, and you’ve finally proved the world wrong by showing off your chess skills. I knew you would win, but I never knew you’d become both a celebrity and a 1st place chess tournament winner. You gave yourself life, and I’m proud of you for that. You are not only my son, but my chess prince who I will always cherish. I love you dearly, and I can’t wait to hug you soon!”

In addition to a lovely phone call with Nissim, Yotam received a handmade golden crown from his mother and grandparents. It was embellished with yellow, blue, and red rhinestones, and said “The Chess Prince” on it. Standing big and tall, he put on his handmade crown, wore it, and posed for a family photo in the living room. A valuable black and white was taken by his cousin, and it became a family gift to preserve and admire forever.

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*Terms to remember

Abba- Means "father" or "dad" in Hebrew.

Ima- Means "mom" or "mother" in Hebrew.

Sderot- A city located in southern Israel. Sderot means "boulevards" in Hebrew.