Jose Rizal - the Master Chess Strategist

Jose Rizal as a chess player is more of a strategist. He is unlike the famous American chess player Paul Morphy who is more of a tactician. Whenever he has the time, Rizal plays chess. Rizal played chess during his exile in Dapitan. Rizal often went to the house of Don Mariano Hamoy to play chess. According to the relatives of the late Don Hamoy, Rizal would visit the house of his friend to play chess. It is said that that Rizal was often with her sister during those times that he played chess.

Learn to be a strategical chess player like Rizal! Despite his busy schedule, Rizal took time to play chess to challenge his analytical mind. According to American chess legend Bobby Fischer, “Chess is war over the board. The object is to crush an opponent’s mind.” Thus, whenever Rizal played chess in Dapitan, in the ancestral house of Segunda Katigbak, or where in any place where there is a chessboard, it can be said that he engages in war.  Every time Rizal touches a piece, he engages in war. Rizal tries to win by crushing his opponent’s mind. Chess is the game that reminded Rizal about the necessary strategies needed to win a war.

Knowledge of strategy and tactics is essential to winning a game of chess. Just like in a real war, there must be a sound strategy to win. Strategy is a series of actions based on a long-term plan with the primary objective of winning. A sound or effective strategy to win a particular war requires a thorough evaluation of existing circumstances to determine whether there are enough men, ammunition, or training. A strategist has the diligence and patience to weigh various scenarios in the event of a war. This makes the strategist prepared for any eventuality and able to respond in cases of unexpected events.

When Rizal was in Dapitan, Bonifacio sent his emissary Dr. Pio Valenzuela. Bonifacio directed Pio to inform Rizal about the plan of the Katipunan to stage a revolution. Pio and Rizal thoroughly discussed this plan. According to Bonifacio’s emissary, this planned revolution can no longer be kept secret. It is just a matter of time before the Spaniards discovered this secret society organized by Bonifacio. Valenzuela explained to Rizal reasons why Bonifacio thought that launching a revolution has become an absolute necessity. As Bonifacio’s emissary, Valenzuela justified why a revolution should be launched without further delay and that any delay will be detrimental to the objectives of the Katipunan.

Rizal listened intently to Pio Valenzuela’s explanation. Rizal gathered as much information as he can about the Katipunan and its capability from engaging in a war against the Spaniards. Rizal being a chess player was able to properly evaluate the position of the katipuneros compared to that of the Spaniards. He was able to determine the inferiority of the Filipinos in terms of training and ammunition. The Spaniards are superior in every aspect and Rizal correctly concluded that Bonifacio’s plan to launch a revolt at that time is premature. The revolution would be futile and it would only result in suffering and a waste of blood.

Rizal, as a strategist, is aware of the necessity of having a long-term plan. He believes that the formulation of a sound and effective strategy is necessary if the katipuneros intend to win a war against the Spaniards. War is not a trivial matter that can be launched without a strategic plan. War should not be based on emotions but rather on a serious evaluation of matters that have an impact on winning or losing. Without a strategy, it is impossible, if not difficult to win a war.

Rizal’s reluctance in launching a war at that time against Spain is sometimes viewed as being too idealistic. Some consider Bonifacio’s action to launch war despite the inferiority of the katipuneros as a sign of courage. Bonifacio’s insistence to launch a revolt against the Spaniards despite the obvious and inferior position of the katipuneros is a more realistic action to take. Bonifacio believes that there is no ideal time to launch a revolution. If a revolution is not launched at that time, the Spaniards will discover the Katipunan. Thus, Bonifacio is hoping to win the war against the Spaniards by using stealth as a tactic. However, Rizal is of a different view. Rizal being more of a strategist than a tactical thinker believes that a revolution against Spain will not succeed based on short-term tactics.

Rizal as part of his long strategy suggested that, for the katipuneros to have at least a chance to win against the Spaniards, it is necessary to obtain the support of the rich and influential persons. Rizal thought that with the support of those with money to buy ammunition, the katipuneros can upgrade their weapons and be at par with the Spaniards. With the help of those considered influential during that time, the opinion of the masses can be swayed in favor of launching a revolution. The rich, influential, and elite in Philippine society can help the katipuneros launch an effective revolution. Without the support of these sectors, Rizal believed that Bonifacio’s cause is bound to fail.

Further, according to historians, Rizal suggested that the katipuneros should receive proper military training the before formally fighting in a war. Rizal also emphasized that the more effective way of reforming society is through peaceful means. He believes that taking arms against the Spaniards is less effective compared to the strategy of educating the masses. Education, according to Rizal, is the key to liberating the Filipinos from Spanish rule. Educate the masses and it will enlighten their minds. An educated and enlightened mind is the most effective weapon against tyranny and oppression.

When Rizal advocated these long-term plans to liberate the Philippines from Spain, he was thinking of a permanent solution to the problem. Rizal has a vision of seeing the Philippines free from Spanish rule through peaceful means. Rizal has strong reservations about launching a revolution to liberate the country. He believed that such a move is premature and had very little chance of succeeding.

From the way Rizal thinks and evaluates matters, we can say that he is a strategic thinker.  Rizal may have sharpened his skills of thinking strategically by playing chess. Chess is a game that teaches perseverance and patience. It also teaches the concepts of strategy and tactics. To Rizal, a sound strategy is necessary to win the war against the Spaniards. Short tactical maneuvers as proposed by Bonifacio are premature and ineffective.

However, only history can judge.