Play Chess and Control a Kingdom!

Chess is a game that is easy to learn but very difficult to master. It takes a lot of time before one can be considered to have mastered the game. Earning that much-coveted title of being a National, International or a Grandmaster entails sacrifices. It means investing a huge amount of time and effort to master, or at least, have a very respectable knowledge of all phases of the game. Consistent practice is also essential to win games in chess. In other words,  playing chess seriously requires time, effort and practice. Time is a very valuable commodity for anyone who wants to excel at the game or simply to become a strong chess player. Unfortunately, in this very busy world, time is something that most of us do not have.

What is good at this time is the fact that technology has radically changed the way chess is played. Now chess can be played anywhere and with anyone around the world with the use of the Internet. Technology has connected all chess players in the world. With the Internet, chess can be played without actually going to a chess venue. However, despite advances in technology coupled with the surge in information, studying chess remained practically the same. It still takes a lot of time and demands consistent practice. Playing online most of the time does not guarantee success in chess. There are still other factors to consider. Moreover, playing chess with the use of a "real" chessboard has that unique kind of feel compared when playing online. 

While chess has been around for centuries and is played by millions around the world, the game still has to attain a high level of popularity to attract investors. Since it is not a spectator sport, funding is a common problem faced by chess organizers. It is difficult to find sponsors for chess tournaments. Compared to other spectator sports such as basketball and boxing, chess is not a treasure trove. 

But despite the lack of time and lesser "earning" opportunities, what is it that makes chess attractive and alluring?  Admittedly, playing chess gives several benefits. However, aside from these benefits, playing chess gives that rare experience of being in absolute command of a Kingdom including the King and Queen.  This kind of experience having absolute control of the situation makes chess a very addicting game. It provides a very different kind of satisfaction in achieving victory based entirely on your own effort.  In other words, chess encourages independent thinking by allowing players to act solely on one's beliefs. It is this kind of independent and absolute control type of experience that everyone should try playing chess.

It is entirely different however when chess is played for fun and when you intend to master the game. As I said, mastering chess requires a lot of time investment. Just look at the life of great chess masters and see how much time they devoted to the game to attain their level of expertise. Almost their entire life was devoted to chess. Practice and more practice took most of their entire time! It is even said that to reach master level, it would take at least 3,000 hours of dedicated devotion to chess! If you want to attain Grandmaster level, you need at least 10,000 hours of practice, study and more practice. It requires tremendous sacrifice and self- denial. 

To enjoy chess however it is not necessary to be a master. What is important is to always give your best. Be humble when winning, immediately accept defeat, learn and get ready for the next game.