How to Master Chess
Chess is definitely more than a game. It requires a lot aside from knowing the basic rules of the game and the movement of the pieces. As repeatedly said, chess is a game that is easy to learn but difficult to master. To learn chess, you may need curiosity or a little interest in the game but to master, it requires discipline, patience, and perseverance. I quote a piece from the New Yorker which discusses Malcolm Gladwell's theory that to be a master at chess, it requires at least 10,000 hours.
"There are no instant experts in chess—certainly no instant masters or grandmasters. There appears not to be on record any case (including Bobby Fischer) where a person reached grandmaster level with less than about a decade's intense preoccupation with the game. We would estimate, very roughly, that a master has spent perhaps 10,000 to 50,000 hours staring at chess positions…"
Considering that most of us do not have that much time, being a chess master is a very remote possibility. However, we do not need to earn a "master title" to enjoy the game and play the game very well. With very less time we can devote to chess, the best move to make is to play the game online. With your cellphone or any other gadget, you can play chess with anyone on Earth in real time. Thanks to the Internet!
It is good to know that there are several well-known personalities who are chess players including the National Hero of the Philippines Jose Rizal. I play chess for the love of the game. I really enjoy solving chess problems. I like to be in a "fight" on an equal, fair and mind stimulating game without hurting anyone physically. After the game, win or loss, I shake the hand of my opponent and move on to the next game. I do not dwell too much in case of a loss. I learn and improve. If I win, I feel good and learn and hope to continue my winning ways. What is more important however is simply to enjoy chess and have fun.
10,000 hours to master chess? Who really can devote that much time aside from those who considered chess as a career? Or unless getting a chess master title is a break or make kind of a thing. Life is more than just chess. There is life beyond getting that much-coveted chess master title. However, if you really want that title badly, there is no easy way. You got to give it your time! Time is a very valuable asset in chess. Both in actual play and before that. Preparation is the key to master chess. Preparation takes time. To be a chess master, you should be willing to give the game your valuable time.
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