While the numerous benefits of playing chess are well-documented, the highlight is on cognitive and visual processing skills. That ‘problem solving’ skills in chess can be a fodder to business strategy, has also found acceptance. The probability of life-mimicking chess ‘moves’ often finds applications in negotiation tactics, business deals and if done effectively, is believed to trigger success in life. This ‘all-inclusive’ game of small moves leading to bigger wins —whether on the ‘64 squares’ or ‘life’ itself, therefore demands an overall ‘fitness’. Corporate Citizen spoke to a cross-section of players, coaches and arbiters to gauge chess-related fitness
“These young guys are playing checkers. I’m out there playing chess,” said Kobe Bean Bryant, former American professional basketball player and this perhaps spells an indication for building synergies of the ‘mind’ with the ‘physical’ form. Closer home, as our own Grandmaster Viswanathan ‘Vishy’ Anand had said, “I attend to my fitness. I go to the gym every day and try to maintain my physical fitness; without that, it is tough to take challenges on the chessboard.”
Former world chess champion and icon, Bobby Fischer had once said that the body has to be in ‘top condition’ and that ‘one cannot separate the body from the mind’. Thus, the mantra to conjoin the mind and body works for almost all sports and holds true for chess too.
For any new entrant to this game, the ascent is steep and begins with the first stepping stone to becoming an International-rated player with a basic 1,000 points; to crossing the 2,000 mark and then on striving to become a Candidate Master at 2,200 points, a FIDE Master (FM) at 2,300 points, an International Master (IM) at 2,400 and finally reach the coveted Grand Master (GM) status at 2,500+ points. Definitely an endeavour of a lifetime and unlike other sports, chess can have a longer lifespan. “Depending on their financial conditions, interest levels and their performances as chess players, a professional player can sustain for anywhere between 20 to 30 years. An amateur can sustain for about 15 to 20 years. Many may even become coaches, arbiters, chess journalists or even be playing part-time chess and working part-time elsewhere”, said Karthik Shetty, Bengaluru- based chessplayer and FIDE Arbiter.
Sustaining their ‘chess goals’, aspirants often add physical fitness in developing their ‘mental fitness’. “Fitness in chess is both mental and physical. Lack of both or one of them can still hurt your game and the outcome. Fitness in chess is the ‘psychological’ and ‘emotional’ well-being before and during the game. (Poor) Physical health too can cause distractions in focus levels; so good physical health becomes very important for playing top level chess. These two aspects together can be termed as ‘Chess Fitness’”, said Karthik. In evolving as good chess players, “Along with physical and mental fitness, other aspects of life like graduation, marriage, personal life, financial conditions and many other happenings too affect the decisions taken. Chess fitness can be sustained by ensuring a good mental and physical health and by keeping oneself positive and motivated,” said Karthik.
“The need is also to have a hunger for what one is passionate about. When it comes to fitness, girls or women players maybe less concerned but they too have to follow a good fitness plan. Men must also be careful because many can become a victim to chain smoking, etc. So, fitness plays a vital role both in men and women but they must invest time in their regular fitness regime,” he added. For Pune-based player and coach, FM Aniruddha Deshpande, “While health is important, chess knowledge and skill is most important. Fitness is very important for all sports and it is equally important in chess as well. Adult players require being more careful about their fitness, as it is easy to put on weight. Youngsters are relatively more active so specific exercises are not much required for them. The ‘Suryanamaskar’ postures (yoga) and meditation are useful for all age-groups.”
According to Utkal S, a Bengaluru-based corporate chess player and a software engineer with Cisco, “Chess fitness does exist; as with age, you slowly tend to lose mental fitness and the quality of game doesn’t improve either… regular exercises, yoga and outdoor sports can definitely add value and help in the game as well.”
“Fitness is very important for chess as well. Adult players require being more careful about their fitness, as it is easy to put on weight. Youngsters are relatively more active so specific exercises are not much required for them’’
—Aniruddha Deshpande
Utkal said that chess being a creative game needs hard work but more necessarily. “It is equally important to absorb as much knowledge as possible, and the sooner you do that in life the better.”
“Absolute peak concentration, determination to fight back and an intense will to win are all ingredients requisite for a good battling game of chess. It is easy to focus for 10 minutes without altering concentration but it’s hard to do the same for hours together. Apart from practising chess over the board, fitness for a long game of chess requires one to be mentally stable and physically sound. Physical activities like running, walking, playing any of your favourite outdoor games combined with the practice of meditation or yoga can help in nurturing the fitness of a chessplayer,” said Karthik. He explained that sitting in the same chair hours together and staring at the 64 squares and pondering over the next best plan is not an easy task as it requires a lot of brain energy which makes chess a highly energy-consuming game. Physical fitness thus becomes vital. “A good exercise plan could include morning walks, running, swimming, cycling at least five days a week. In the middle of a tournament, an evening walk every day after the last round of the tournament helps. Playing one’s favourite outdoor game, even using a gym can help in physical fitness for a chess player,” said Karthik.
Most players do follow a regimen which could include some or all of the practices like meditation, positive thinking, a good training plan and sticking to it, following a good training method with effective time table in place.
Most players and parents of young aspirants say that food plays a vital role in keeping good stamina. Home-cooked meals, fresh fruits are preferred over packaged food. “Ample amount of sleep, good time management, and physical exercises can help improve blood circulation and oxygen intake to the brain. Listening to music of your choice, meditation, taking a break or a vacation after a tournament before the start of another chess event can help to a greater extent,” said Karthik.
“A high amount of willpower and determination to succeed and a ‘never give up’ attitude too plays a significant role during the game. Any emotional and personal problems faced by players must be shared with parents, coaches or close ones who can keep the player motivated and support them throughout. Mental conditioning therefore is important too.”
As said by the legendary former world champion Anatoly Karpov, “Chess is an Art, Science and a Sport”, the combination of the three streams sure needs ‘chess fitness’ and more!
By Sangeeta Ghosh Dastidar
