“Life is a kind of Chess, in which we have often points to gain, and competitors or adversaries to contend with.” — Benjamin Franklin

I just moved my pawn to the next block, and am waiting for my opponent to make a move. My mind is busy anticipating my opponents next move and strategizing how my response should be. But isn’t this what we should be doing in our life as well? As I wait for my turn, my thoughts continue to ruminate around the similarities between the game of chess and the game of life — and what each has to offer to excel at the other.

I. Game of chess is not fair, and so is life.

Why is the game of chess all about saving the king?

There is only one objective in the game of chess — to save your own king and check mate the opponent’s. The pawn, bishop, knight, rook — whether they live or die — have no relevance to the outcome of the game.

However, harsh it may sound, but life is no different. The big corporate houses, king’s palaces, governments — should all survive at the cost of common man. They decide the rules and we have to follow them. We are nothing but mere pawns at their hands.

“As we say in chess, if your King is under attack, do not worry about losing a pawn on the queenside.” — Garry Kasparov.

Unfortunately, the queen also shares the same fate as any other soldier in chess. Whether she lives or dies, there is no impact on the outcome of the game. Sad to say, but both the games of life and chess are dictated by male chauvinistic rules.

I would like to see a game of chess where the battle is not lost until both the queen and king are defeated. After all, we often boast of a progressive society.

II. You cannot always make pre-meditated moves. Have a plan but keep an eye on your opponent.

“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” — Robert Burns

A strategy and a game plan is necessary in the game of chess, but so is keeping an eye on the opponent’s move. Our moves must change depending upon how the opponent is playing.

Similarly, life will always throw you a curve ball and at a time when you least expect, just like any smart opponent in chess. Whatever we may plan, life does not go by that. The opponent in chess may be hard or weak, and so are the circumstances in life. We need to learn to respect this particular aspect of the game to succeed.

To triumph in life, our final moves should be taken keeping our final objective in mind, as well as our current circumstances in life.

III. You need to fight in order to survive.

Just like our opponent’s pieces in the game of chess, we are surrounded by hardships at every aspect of our lives. These hardships come in the form of personal losses, corporate challenges, etc., and we need to fight them in order to survive.

Sadly, peace has never been an option. And if you don’t fight, you die.

Hence, in life, one must keep fighting and progressing. If we do not progress and stay at a particular square, our opponents will come and defeat us.

And even if you lose a small subplot in life, remember that the battle is not lost yet. All you need to do is put your best foot forward for the next move.

“After a bad opening, there is hope for the middle game. After a bad middle game, there is hope for the endgame.” — Edmar Mednis

Both the games of chess and life provide you with unlimited opportunities to succeed.

IV. Play your natural game.

Be it life or the game of chess, one must play naturally. If you are one who takes things heads on, go for an attacking play. If you are someone, who watches silently and is reactive, go for a more cautious game play.

As long as we try to remain true to our personality and make best use of it, we are sure to succeed. We should try to identify what works best for us rather than imitating our opponent’s moves.

While I am still deep in my thoughts and drawing parallels between my approach towards chess and life, my opponent has made a move — unfortunately, I need to get back to my game.

But while I am playing the game of chess now, I know the moves I am going to make are nothing but a mere reflection of my approach to life.

“I am convinced, the way one plays chess always reflects the player’s personality. If something defines his character, then it will also define his way of playing.” — Vladimir Kramnik

If you have come so far, please share your feedback/reflections in the comments. I read them all 😄.

Please share your reflection of how you perceive the game of chess and how it relates (or even does not relate) to life in general.

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