By Krishnan CA, SMP Batch 2019
Caption: Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash
Chess, often dubbed the “game of kings,” holds within its intricate manoeuvres and strategic depth, a treasure trove of lessons applicable to the grand game of life itself. My chess journey began with my grandfather’s gentle guidance at the age of 6, igniting a passion that saw me through tournaments and triumphs. Today, I play a few times a week, blending offline and online matches, dedicating a few hours every weekend to practise. While I compete at an intermediate level, my focus remains on sharpening my strategic skills rather than formal competition. Though not part of a club, I stay engaged with online communities, continuously learning and enjoying the game.
Reflecting on my experiences, I have realised that the lessons gleaned from chess extend far beyond the chequered board, offering invaluable insights into crafting a successful and fulfilling life strategy. So, if you are a chess enthusiast, read on…
1. Opening Theory: Establishing a Strong Foundation (e4, c5, Nf3, …)
In chess, the opening phase sets the stage for the battles ahead, much like how education and early professional experiences shape our journey through life.
Rapid piece development in chess parallels the acquisition of competencies and expertise in various domains, facilitating a smoother transition into life’s middle game.
Controlling the centre involves finding the right places for your key priorities, professional, personal, health, and spiritual goals. It also indicates the importance of placing ourselves in the best position to maximise opportunities, whether it is a city or role that aligns with our sense of purpose.
Moreover, just as safeguarding the king’s position is paramount in the opening, nurturing financial stability and prioritising health forms the cornerstone of personal resilience, ensuring readiness to weather life’s inevitable storms.
2. Middle Game Mastery: Capitalising on Opportunities (O-O…*)
Caption: Photo by Michał Parzuchowski on Unsplash
As the chessboard evolves into the dynamic arena of the middle game, strategic acumen and tactical finesse come to the fore. Similarly, in the labyrinth of life, identifying opportunities, leveraging strengths, and addressing weaknesses are pivotal for success.
The middle game in chess teaches us to capitalise on our opponent’s vulnerabilities, aligning with life’s ethos of pursuing endeavours that resonate with our passions and purpose. It is also important to know how to pivot and have a plan a, b, and c and develop multiple competencies. By strategically positioning ourselves for maximum impact, we intentionally navigate life’s complexities, seeking to leave an indelible mark on the world.
3. Endgame Wisdom: Prioritising What Truly Matters (!! or ?! or ++*)
In the twilight moments of a chess match, sacrifices are made, and the king emerges as a pivotal figure. Analogously, as we approach life’s denouement, it’s the relationships we nurture, the health we safeguard, and the impact we leave behind that define our legacy.
Most frequently, you lose on time during the end game, so the importance of “Money Value of Time”! You will have a time when you are healthy and have great relationships by the time you reach the end game in life. So it’s important to note that life is a marathon, having multiple races. The quality of our last 20 years of life will be determined by our choices on these critical dimensions that cannot be changed later on!
Prioritising these fundamental aspects over mere material accumulation or career pursuits ensures a life of richness and significance. In the endgame of life, it is not the number of pieces amassed along the journey that matters but rather the depth of our connections, the resilience of our spirit, and the imprint of our contributions to humanity.
In essence, chess serves as a metaphor for life, offering profound insights into the art of strategy and the pursuit of fulfilment. As we manoeuvre through the complexities of existence, let us heed the timeless wisdom encapsulated within each move, recognizing that true success lies not merely in victory but in the depth of our connections, the resilience of our spirit, and the impact of our contributions to the world.
*Key
These symbols indicate the following
O-O – Castling, which is the start of the Middle game in Chess
!! or ?! or ++ – Excellent move or Questionable move or ++ is Double check
Krishnan CA serves as the Senior Vice President and Global Head at Tech Mahindra, where he leads the Large and Mega Deals portfolio, driving digital transformation for clients worldwide. He holds the prestigious Economic Times Young Leader award and has the rare distinction of being a gold medalist in both his MBA and Engineering. He resides in Chennai with his wife and daughter.
