Chess

There’s been a chess craze recently. Some would credit the Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen for making chess look cool again. Others might claim that the smash Netflix hit “The Queen’s Gambit” is the reason why chess has been experiencing a resurgence in popularity among younger generations. Whoever is to blame for the increased visibility of chess, it’s worth stating that it’s a good thing. Let’s take a look at why. 

Why Learn Chess?

Are you still on the fence about chess? Are you not sure whether you should invest your time learning a game that seems so complex? Well, if that’s the case, it’s wise to consider a few reasons why learning chess is such a good idea. Let’s review the top five benefits of learning chess. For one, chess is known for its strategy and various plays. Therefore, it forces players to work on their memorization skills. Memory is improved while playing chess and this is greatly used in many noteworthy sectors. Secondly, chess teaches you how to win and how to lose. Learning how to lose is essential so that you can appreciate the wonderful times when you actually win.

Thirdly, chess has been known to increase interpersonal skills and abilities. Why’s that? To win, you have to put yourself in the shoes of your opponent and anticipate their next move. This allows you to carefully analyze how people think and hopefully gain compassion for your fellow humans.

Fourthly, this reason is particularly great for children, but, chess is fantastic for helping young ones to learn that their actions have consequences. A slew of wrong movements, or even just one, can mean losing the game. Last but definitely not least, chess is a fantastic game for improving a person’s problem-solving skills and everyone needs that ability! It’s worth pointing out that all of the reasons we’ve stated are noteworthy for persons of all ages. Whether young or old, chess is a game worth playing. 

What Resources are Available to Learn Chess?

Without help, it’s nearly impossible to learn a new game such as chess; especially considering how complex and layered it can be! So, what can be done? Well, it’s important to state that there are so many resources that are available for new chess players whether online or in written works such as books and magazines.

Some of the best online resources to consider for chess include chess.com (where you can take informative lessons) Garry Kasparov’s Masterclass, self-paced virtual courses on sites such as Udemy, and practical lessons on the highly recommended site lichess.org. However, if you’re a more tactical or face-to-face learner, you might prefer the assistance provided by a private tutor. Professional chess tutors are experts at teaching their students techniques such as reading their opponent and attacking in the middle game.

If you want to learn chess from a private coach, then Superprof is a good option!

Best Chess Strategies To Learn For Beginners

For beginners in chess, it is important to focus on developing a strong foundation and understanding of basic chess principles. Here are some essential chess strategies and concepts to learn:

• Control the Center: Aim to occupy and control the central squares of the chessboard (d4, d5, e4, e5) with your pawns and pieces. This gives you greater mobility, control, and flexibility in your moves.
• Develop your Pieces: In the opening, prioritize developing your minor pieces (knights and bishops) to active squares. Develop them to squares that allow them to exert influence and contribute to controlling the center.
• Protect the King: Castle early to safeguard your king. Castling involves moving your king to a safer position and activating your rook. Generally, castling kingside (short castling) is a common choice for beginners.
• Pawn Structure: Be mindful of your pawn structure. Avoid creating weaknesses or isolated pawns that can become targets for your opponent. Try to maintain pawn chains and pawn islands.
• Piece Coordination: Aim to coordinate your pieces to work together effectively. Develop a plan that involves harmonizing your pieces’ activities and creating potential threats.
• Tactical Awareness: Learn basic tactical motifs such as forks, pins, skewers, discovered attacks, and double attacks. Regularly solve tactical puzzles to improve your calculation and spotting abilities.
• Piece Value: Understand the relative value of the pieces. While the queen is the most powerful piece, all pieces have their importance. Avoid unnecessary piece exchanges unless they benefit your position.
• King Safety: Keep your king safe throughout the game. Avoid leaving it exposed to potential checkmate threats. Don’t move it unnecessarily to the center of the board unless it’s the endgame.

Who Are The Greatest Indian Chess Grand Masters Of All Time?

India has produced many talented and successful chess players over the years, and it can be difficult to determine the greatest of all time. However, some of the most prominent and successful Indian Grandmasters include:

1. Viswanathan Anand: Anand is considered one of the greatest chess players of all time and was the undisputed World Chess Champion from 2007 to 2013. He was also the first Indian player to become a Grandmaster in 1988.
2. Magnus Carlsen: Although not from India, he played few games against Indian players and also won against some of them.
3. Pentala Harikrishna: Harikrishna has represented India in several Chess Olympiads and is one of the strongest Indian Grandmasters of all time.
4. Baskaran Adhiban: Adhiban has been a consistent performer for India in international chess competitions and is regarded as one of the top young chess talents in the world.
5. Vidit Gujrathi: Gujrathi is one of the youngest Indian Grandmasters and has achieved several impressive results in international chess competitions.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other talented and successful Indian chess players who have made a significant impact on the game.