Ohhhh chess, I wish I had time to read up on strategy more than I have. I must get on task and finish the thesis that I've been working on for six or seven years!
I'm sure she could kick my ass at this point. My only strategy is "try to 'control' the center of the board" and I never have enough patience to do enough look ahead. Usually I move a good piece, feel smug for a moment, then have a knight come outta no where and kick that piece's ass.
Glad you are able to enjoy such a wonderful game with your wife. I used to play a lot when I was younger and really miss the strategy and challenge of the game.
Beau was a kick-butt chess player... it's funny, in a lot of things scholarly and/or academic I had an edge, but Beau blew me away in both musicianship (I think 'cause he...well, "practiced") and chess. Luckily, tuba is generally easier than trumpet and I didn't actually *have* to play chess.
I think "had an edge" is a little modest. You have forgotten more that I will ever know.