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Chess cultivates the habit of fearlessness

The one game that has universal acceptance and speaks a universal language is the game of chess. It is for this reason the noble game of chess is referred to as King of Games.

What has the game of chess to do with fearlessness? In what way, the game helps us cultivate the habit of fearlessness?

Read on.

Chess is a board game played between two players. Each player is provided with 16 pieces each. The only difference is the color of the pieces. Other than that, the type of pieces and the capabilities of the pieces are the same. No player is provided with any undue advantage over the other. In other words, there exists equilibrium in the board, not only in terms of the pieces but also in terms of the space available in the board. There are eight rows in the board, also called as ranks and are referred to by numbers 1 to 8. Ranks 1 to 4 refer to the white side while the ranks 5 to 8 refer to the black side. The sixteen pieces of white are stacked in a specific order in ranks 1 and 2, while the black colored pieces are ordered in the 7th and 8th ranks. The ranks 3 and 4 belong to the white side while the ranks 5 and 6 belong to the black side. As such, there is perfect equilibrium at the start of the game.

When two players with equal pieces, equal capability and equal space fight between themselves, the normal outcome should be only a DRAW and not a victory to one over the other in its normal course. As such, one can win over the other only AND ONLY when the other player makes the mistake or a series of mistakes.

The onus lies on the players to make the right move and do not make any mistake. If you make a wrong move or a wrong calculation in tactics, then there is every possibility that the opponent seizes the opportunity and punishes you for the mistake.

When the game starts and a player makes the move, the equilibrium is disturbed slightly. When the other player responds with a move, then the parity is restored. The incremental change in the alteration of the pieces between the squares following a set of moves will be zero.

As long as you make the correct move, assess the positional factors, analyze the importance of the pieces, visualize the possible response from the opponent and plan an appropriate response, it is but natural that your move will be a correct one.

When your move is backed by logical thinking, analysis, visualization and confidence that the move is the best one in the given circumstances, where does the question of fear arises?

Fear is the outcome of lack of knowledge or poor understanding of the situation. When you are armed with the knowledge of the game, supported by your logical thinking capabilities and visualization and driven by sound decision-making techniques, where is the need for fear about the outcome of the move?

Fearlessness comes not out of bravery or show of strength to the opponent but by a clear understanding of the situation, the knowledge about the pros and cons of the situation, the analysis of the possible future consequences and all such other things. Strong conviction about the possible outcome, driven by self-confidence and understanding, thwarts fear out of the roots.

So, naturally a person playing chess and applying the invaluable traits of logical thinking, analysis, visualization and decision-making need not have fear about the consequences. As such, the game of chess teaches the virtue of fearlessness to the player.

Now, with online chess, any person who knows the game of chess and wants to learn the many invaluable traits it imparts can do so with the help of his personal computer and broadband connection.