Effect of Lack of Sleep in Chess
Chess is a game that requires focus. Player’s attention to the game should always be at a hundred percent (100%). Any slip of focus can be fatal. A winning position can be lost at any moment due to a few seconds of distracted attention.
I
think the need for focus and attention in the game of chess cannot be overemphasized. It is said that in chess, just like in life,
opportunity knocks but once. When the opportunity for gaining an advantage appears
on the chessboard, a player has to pounce on it immediately. Strike while the
iron is hot. Otherwise, the opportunity is lost and it would take another moon
for it to reappear.
The
ability to render quick and precise judgment is necessary to be successful in a
chess game. With the chess clock ticking, the player has to swim through an
endless cacophony of variations and choose the best move. Strategy and tactics
have to be employed under time pressure. Given these consequences, it is
necessary that focus and judgment be not compromised.
While
some players deny it, lack or insufficient sleep takes a toll in their ability
to play chess. The lack of sleep according
to a study affects judgment and the ability to retain information. Thus, a chess player’s performance on the chessboard
is naturally affected by lack or inadequate sleep. Judgment and recall of prior
information are affected.
“In the short term, a lack of adequate sleep can affect
judgment, mood, ability to learn and retain information, and may increase the
risk of serious accidents and injury. In the long term, chronic sleep
deprivation may lead to a host of health problems including obesity, diabetes,
cardiovascular disease, and even early mortality.”
It is therefore advisable for chess players, especially those
competing in tournaments, to have a complete sleep before engaging in a
tiresome battle on the board. A chess tournament usually has at least six (6)
to seven (7) grueling rounds. Every round is a test of the player’s stamina. With inadequate or lack of sleep, a player
will not be in complete form during the round. Worse, a player may not
last to finish the tournament.
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