Chess
I’m not sure if this is my new short-term hobby or something that will stay with me for a long time, but so far, I like it.
I used to play Chess almost fifteen years ago, but then I lost interest due to the tension and the heavy mental investment. I found it really overwhelming and sometimes exhausting. I won many times because all the people I played with were at the same level as me, and there was nothing extraordinary. It was all about who would make the first dumb move. I would lose interest if I lost my Queen early in the game, which happened a few times and was a devastating feeling. Like, there’s no point in playing anymore!
Anyway, back to the point. A few days ago, I started playing online Chess. To add some context, I'm really not into games. I lost interest in computer and mobile games a long time ago. However, to keep my mind focused, I installed a Block puzzle game on my phone and started playing it whenever my mind began overthinking. I found it to be a nice way to escape from severe overthinking. But after three weeks, I lost interest. I don’t know why. I stopped playing it.
In the meantime, the House of the Dragon show is also happening and I’m really invested in the whole Game of Thrones franchise. One day, after the episode of Rhaenys and her dragon Meleys death, I started to think about War Chess which was really a great deal back in the old days, remember? War Chess and Road Rash are my best memories of computer games.
So I searched for Chess on the Play Store and installed the main one from chess.com
I know that we can just play Chess online in a browser these days using Lichess, but I wanted to see how mobile game interfaces have evolved.
At first, I tried playing against the computer in very easy mode. I remembered a few opening moves and won easily, then tried the online mode.
I didn’t win any of the first few games - either draw or lose. But I didn’t give up and kept playing. The games run on a 10-minute-per-player timer, but interestingly, all the games ended within 5 to 7 minutes combined.
I started to notice a pattern in my new approach. Back in the old days, I always played defensively, which contributed to the overwhelming experience.
This time, either due to my lack of in-depth knowledge or the fact that I was playing against highly experienced players from all over the world and had nothing to lose, I began playing aggressively. I didn't care much about any pieces. Instead, I just focused on freeing up my main pieces and making sure that if one of mine went down, the opponent would lose one too.
I noticed my heart rate spiking every time I made a dumb move and getting excited when the opponent started playing the game I had drawn.
One interesting thing about playing Chess is the ability to see all possible moves that could happen if I make a certain move. However, when playing aggressively, I can’t plot out all future moves. In this style, experience helps us make the right moves instantly.
Some players always stick to traditional and nearly winning-moves. I try to derail them by making some really dumb moves, like sacrificing my queen to capture theirs. This keeps them thinking.
If their planned moves get blocked, they have to come up with a new strategy, often sacrificing a few pieces. This puts pressure on them to play quickly, without overthinking. I find this part very interesting.
I won once simply because they ran out of the 10-minute time cap while I still had over 5 minutes remaining. That was really fun! (Is it really a win? That’s a different question.)
What have I learned and trying to do
The simple idea I follow is not to get trapped by the opponent’s strategy. In other words, don’t play the game the opponent wants you to play. But sometimes we won’t even know we’re playing the opponent’s game. Because some people are too good and highly experienced!
I still feel overwhelmed and exhausted after a few continuous games, so I take breaks. While I'm working, writing, or doing something else and get stuck or have trouble concentrating, I open a new tab on my PC or grab my mobile to play a quick game. Luckily, there's a one-minute game that’s super fast. Try Lichess quick pairing.
I find that this short break helps me regain my concentration, and I can return to what I was doing with more focus. I even designed a simple Chess game screen just to have fun with this experience.
Another thing I’ve learned is that there’s no point in keeping all the pieces safe and secure. They’re meant to move forward, be taken away, or be sacrificed. There’s no need to be sentimental or overprotective about them.
At least try to see two to five moves ahead and just play.
Or just play with the mindset of facing the situation directly.
Or just play like you have nothing to lose.
Losing is also fun because some moves are really inspiring, and I get the urge to understand how others plot their moves, even after I’ve messed up the board by moving pieces randomly. I think I’ve lost more than 75% of the games I’ve played, but I still have the interest to keep playing. Chess is really fun.
If you’re an absolute beginner, just learn the basic rules, how each piece moves, and castling. Then start playing online. Of course, you’ll lose most of your first few games. But if you still have the spark, it can be a great stress buster.
I’m not sure if this is my new short-term hobby or something that will stay with me for a long time, but so far, I like it. I even had a dream about playing Chess, moving pieces, and getting checkmated.
Just play!
That’s it.