Checkmate The Distractions: Boost Your Memory And Enhance Creativity With Chess

A game of chess has but one goal - to capture the opponent’s army and finally the King. However, it’s not as simple as saying what has to be done. Let’s begin with understanding the chess board. It has 64 squares, each player starts with 16 pieces, consisting of 1 king, 1 queen, 2 rooks, 2 bishops, 2 knights, and 8 pawns. The game's objective is to put your opponent's king in checkmate, which means it is under attack and cannot escape capture. The number of possible unique strategies to win the game is estimated to be more than the number of atoms in the universe.

The highest title a chess player can earn is the Grandmaster title in the World Chess Federation. Garry Kasparov, a former champion from Russia, is considered one of the greatest chess players of all time. Anatoly Karpov dominated the chess world from 1970 to 1980. Our very own Vishwanathan Anand was the first Indian to win the title in 1988. He went on to accomplish the feat multiple times and add other titles to his name. And there is no way of moving ahead without mentioning Bobby Fischer who defeated Boris Spassky in 1972 to become the grandmaster. Magnus Carlsen is the current chess grandmaster and highest-rated player in history.

Studies have shown that playing chess can help increase IQ scores, particularly in children and young adults. Chess requires players to analyse and evaluate different moves, and remember patterns leading to the development of critical thinking, concentration and memory. The act of playing with full involvement is a perfect exercise, a kind of mental gymnasium that trains the brain in logical thinking. The vast possibility of moves forces a player to make a plan and place strategies on the board.

Just like any other craft, playing chess can be mastered. The three most important things you need to play better games are interest, willingness to work hard and the right resources to learn. In this article, we list resources that can help you prepare for championships.

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1. Chess.com

Chess.com is your best bet to learn the game. It allows you to play with players around the world anytime during the day. You have options for timed games, different variants, and skill levels. It provides a range of resources for players looking to improve their game, including video lessons, puzzles, and interactive courses. One of the best things about the website is that it provides detailed statistics and analysis to help players track their progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and improve their game. You can always revisit your games and learn. You can also download a mobile app available for both iOS and Android, allowing players to play games on the go.

2. Masterclass by Garry Kasparov

Garry Kasparov is a world-renowned chess player and former World Chess Champion. Kasparov has a Masterclass course that teaches chess strategy and tactics. It has 29 high-quality episodes covering the basics, such as how the pieces move and the principles of opening play. He then moves on to more advanced topics, such as positional play, tactics, and endgames.

Kasparov's course is designed to be accessible to players of all levels. Whether you're a novice or an experienced player, you can benefit from his insights and advice. He uses a combination of lectures, game analysis, and interactive exercises to help you improve your game.

Some of the key topics covered in Kasparov's Masterclass include:

• Opening strategy and the principles of good opening play.

• How to think strategically and plan your moves.

• Tactical motifs and how to spot them in your games.

• Endgame technique and the principles of good endgame play.

You sign up on masterclass.com or look up online for a free download.

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3. Chess Academies In India

India has a vibrant chess culture, and there are several leading chess academies in the country that offer high-quality coaching and training for players of all levels. Here are some of the top chess academies in India:

• Chess Gurukul: Chess Gurukul is one of the most well-known chess academies in India. Founded by Grandmaster R.B. Ramesh, Chess Gurukul has produced several strong players and has a reputation for excellence in coaching.

• Kunte's Chess Academy: Kunte's Chess Academy, founded by Grandmaster Abhijit Kunte, is another top chess academy in India. Based in Pune, the academy offers coaching for players of all levels, from beginners to Grandmasters.

• ChessBase India: ChessBase India is a leading chess website in India that also offers coaching and training programs. They have a team of experienced coaches and offer online and offline training options.

• South Mumbai Chess Academy: The South Mumbai Chess Academy is one of the oldest and most respected chess academies in Mumbai. Founded by International Master Raghunandan Gokhale, the academy has a strong track record of producing strong players.

• Adyar Chess Academy: The Adyar Chess Academy is one of the top chess academies in Chennai. They offer coaching for players of all levels and have a team of experienced coaches.

• Delhi Chess Association: The Delhi Chess Association is one of the largest chess associations in India and offers coaching and training programs for players of all levels. They have a team of experienced coaches and offer regular training camps and tournaments.

These are just a few of the many chess academies in India. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, there are plenty of options for high-quality coaching and training in India's thriving chess community.

4. Books to learn openings, middle games and endgames.

• My System by Aron Nimzowitsch: This classic book, first published in 1925, is a must-read for any serious chess player. It covers the basics of chess strategy and also introduces Nimzowitsch's own ideas on positional play.

• Logical Chess: Move by Move by Irving Chernev: This book is an excellent resource for beginner and intermediate players. It features 33 complete games, with Chernev providing explanations for each move.

• The Art of Attack in Chess by Vladimir Vukovic: This book focuses on the attacking aspect of chess and is a great resource for players who want to improve their attacking skills.

• Endgame Strategy by Mikhail Shereshevsky: This book is a comprehensive guide to endgame strategy and covers a wide range of endgame positions and techniques.

• Think Like a Grandmaster by Alexander Kotov: This classic book offers insights into the thought processes of top-level players and provides advice on how to improve your own chess thinking.

• Pawn Structure Chess by Andrew Soltis: This book is a great resource for players who want to improve their understanding of pawn structures and their impact on the game.

• Silman's Complete Endgame Course by Jeremy Silman: This book is a comprehensive guide to endgame play and covers all the important endgame positions and techniques.

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These are just a few of the many excellent books on learning chess. These books can help you improve your game and take your skills to the next level.