I don't actually bother memorizing the whole a-h/1-8 thing, nor the positions, but I'm actually one of the best chess players in the school (similar to how I can play the piano well even though I can't read sheet music). I ALWAYS open up with a Scholar's mate. Because of this, I win a lot. And even when I fail, I just continue to improvise and somehow lead my way to victory as I focus on their three primary pieces - the rooks and queen. Once they're gone, my win's basically guaranteed.
Two years ago, there was this guy who'd hand my ass back to me every time we played chess. During a school chess competition, he and I were the finalists but...he's just unbeatable. Luckily, he moved away, and now I'm the best again~ well, kind of. I quit the chess club a year ago so I could focus more on books and music.
I haven't played the game in a while, but I don't think I'll be getting rusty anytime soon. Opening with a Scholar's mate always helps me relax into the game...except when my opponent has the first move and tries to use one on me.
Sometimes I can be sadistic in chess. Like, I can checkmate my opponent's king straightaway, but instead I spent my time capturing the last of his pawns and pieces (regardless of where they are).
Man, I love chess.