What Chess Can Teach Us About Life

As a chess player, the delicate swoop of the knight's neck, the weight of a beautiful wooden piece, and awakening from a reverie  after losing one's self within an 8-by-8 board are all ingrained into my soul. Through chess, even those unfamiliar with the majestic sport can learn a great deal about how to live life. Much more important in a match than the practical knowledge is the psychological disposition and atmosphere surrounding each player. In my experience, the player who walks into a tournament 100 percent confident of victory most often performs well. This game mindset teaches us not to become over-confident or arrogant but also not to overestimate our opponents. On the same note, chess demonstrates how even the best struggle sometimes. This week, in a major international tournament, the world number one player - Magnus Carlsen - lost two matches, including one where he was completely winning. The difference between those who succeed and those who don't is the ability to bounce back. And while this may seem quite cliche, it actually requires a lot of practice. In order to stay on the top, one must be continually evolving to the newest theory and ideas, an ideal that holds true both on and off the board. Delving into the movement of pieces, a game can never be won convincingly without the employment of all the pieces. Whether you are working on a group project or a small businesses owner, this same principle will apply. The functions of each individual piece teach a lesson. The pawn, often called the least valuable piece, is often one of the most important.  By working together with the rest of it's counterparts, a pawn storm can be created,  opening the opponent king to attack. This shows that even when we think we are insignificant, by working together towards a common goal, we can achieve anything. The pawn willingly sacrifices itself for the common goal. But the pawn also posseses the ability to be promoted to any piece on the board if it reaches the enemy's first rank successfully: proving that with hard work and determination even a lowly peasant can become an invincible queen. Knights are like their fairytale namesakes. Daring and courageous, they venture into enemy territory and establish outposts, making it possible for the other pieces to advance. Knights personify loyalty. A pair of two knights (every game starts off with a knight pair for both sides) will protect each other from harm literally until death do them part. Even the oft-coveted king, who spends most of his game life sheltered carefully by his men, races across the board and is the most important participant in a king pawn endgame. This shows that even someone as great as the king has the humbleness to work until the job is done.

Imagine what the world would be like if we all lived like a chess game: with courage, selflessness, bravery, teamwork, humility, and self-confidence. You can learn a lot from 16 pieces...