How to be a Better Chess Player

Chess requires players to sit for a long time. When you look at chess players, all you can see are two people seriously staring at the chessboard. They look at the pieces and the board as if their lives depend on it. For several minutes or hours, some chess players do not move at all. Except for the occasional facial expressions and moving a chess piece, the chess players appear to be frozen in time. The intense concentration, struggle and stress are evident on the face of chess players. 

To be a better chess player, repeated practice is essential. Chess is a game that needs focus and concentration. The mind should be focused on the strategy and tactics that need to be used against your opponent in chess. As much as possible, you need to discipline your mind to think only about chess whenever you are playing the game. There is no time to think about your problems when you play chess. Personal issues and other concerns have to be set aside whenever you play chess. Any momentary distraction can be fatal in your objective to win or as Bobby Fischer described the objective in the game of chess is to “crush your opponent’s mind”. Chess despite its silent nature is a brutal sport. A loss in chess, more particularly in tournaments, is painful both mentally and physically. 

The loss of physical energy after playing chess can be compared to that experience after taking a very difficult and draining examination. Chess is a mentally and physically exhausting game. The moment you sit, shook hands with your opponent and make your first move, your mental energy ponders different tactics and strategies to crush your opponent’s mind. While spectators only see very few movements between the chess players, there is a fierce struggle taking place in their minds. 

To ensure that your mind can handle the challenges and stress of playing chess either in friendly games or in very competitive tournaments, it is necessary to incorporate exercise into your daily schedule. One of the benefits of engaging in physical activities or exercise is that it can improve your memory and thinking skills. A reliable memory is a very important skill in chess. In chess, there are tactical patterns that occur repeatedly in most chess games. If you can recall these patterns, it will improve your chess tremendously.

Sleep is also very important in improving your chess game. The lack or inadequate sleep can negatively affect the way you play chess. When you lack sleep, the way you calculate your moves and analyze an existing position is not that efficient or effective compared to when you had a good night’s sleep. A good night’s sleep makes your mind fresh and ready for various chess challenges. Engaging in regular exercise and physical activities such as running, jogging, walking and swimming can help in attaining a good night's sleep. 

To be better at chess or improve your chess game, do not forget the benefits of exercise and engaging in physical activities. Though chess, unlike other physical sports, does not require the exertion of physical functions, it is a game that requires a healthy mind and body. A healthy physical body will enable you to play the right moves at the correct moment. There is a correlation between engaging in regular exercise to prepare the brain for the rigours of playing chess. 

Chess is a mentally tough game. Chess is also fun and exciting. Chess can provide that challenge and excitement like any other sport. Chess can be a very good mind-stimulating activity. I always say that the moment you play chess, you will be captivated by the game. You will always want to play more to win or improve yourself. But, to be a better chess player, do not forget to exercise to keep your body healthy.