The Secrets of Educational Success

I have to thank a person I don't know for a sudden flash of insight as to how educational success is attained. An article in Chessbase.com written by Lin Zhigen claims that there are seven possible 'secrets' to chess success.

In order of obtrusiveness (or something), he lists them as:

1. Computers will solve everything.
2. Maximise the opportunities for your opponents to make mistakes.
3. Dress like a grandmaster and you will play like one.
4. Use computers for analysis, especially of your own games.
5. Team chemistry.
6. Caffeine.
7. Chinese chess.

And that list immediately leapt into my brain as the essential list of things that students should consider when trying to ace examinations.

Now we know why Asian scholars are so efficient once you get them into a good school (or any formal structure at all). They all use computers, hang around waiting for others to screw up, dress alike, analyse their performance, have odd social chemistry, drink tea (or coffee) in large amounts, and play chinese chess. Haha...

It makes me proud to share that inheritance.