What drives me to play chess

In a world that seems to spin ever faster, where we are constantly overstimulated by screens and deadlines, chess offers a unique form of focus. When you sit behind the board, only the here and now matters. For me, chess is not just a mind sport, but also a form of mental rest. It forces you to shut out the noise and return to the essence of the (chess) problem in front of you.

The Christmas season is an excellent time to pause and reflect on ourselves, our families, our jobs, and our hobbies. Why do we do what we do?

Chess has been a part of my life since I was six years old. As they say: “what is learned in the cradle is carried to the grave.” I have been involved with the Westerlo chess club since about 2006. What is it that makes chess still fascinate me after all this time?

Chess knows no borders

There is no age limit on chess. You don’t even need to speak a common language. It is a game for young and old, widespread and connected by a single set of rules. Sit in a public place, bring out a chessboard, and wait for someone to join. No one looks at origin, profession, or age; it is all about the position on the 64 squares.

This perhaps makes chess the most unifying sport there is.

Easy to start, difficult to master

The basic rules are relatively simple and can be taught to anyone. Educational material is widespread and accessible. However, behind those basic rules lies a world of strategy and tactics. This ensures that chess remains a constant challenge, even for those who have mastered the basics.

The more you learn, the more you realize how much there is left to discover. In chess, every game unfolds into a position that has never been seen before. It forces you to keep thinking and to constantly improve yourself. There is, in a sense, no upper limit to the level you can achieve in chess.

Chess as a school of life

What also continues to fascinate me after all these years is how chess prepares us for daily life. It teaches us how to handle victory, but more importantly, how to handle loss. It trains us to take responsibility for every decision we make. After all, every move has a consequence.

It is wonderful to see how young people in the club not only learn to play better chess but also grow in their self-control, their patience, and their respect for the opponent. That self-control and respect are skills they don’t just use at the board, but take with them to school or, later, to their jobs. It is a school that never stops, regardless of your age. You are constantly confronted with your own strengths and weaknesses, and that keeps you sharp.

Chess as a hobby

Chess offers different challenges to different people. One person may want to excel technically and spend hours studying openings and endgame techniques. Another may see it primarily as a pleasant relaxation and a social outlet outside of work. There is no universal “goal” in playing the game, except perhaps checkmating the opponent :). It is about the joy of the game.

What drives you to (keep) playing chess? Is it the competition, the peace, or the social contact? Leave a comment, or share your story via info@frbe-kbsb-ksb.be.