Constant practice necessary for success in competitive chess

By Errol Tiwari On In Chess with Errol |
During a strong grandmaster chess tournament two weeks ago in Vlissingen, Netherlands, 12-year-old Indian International Master R Praggnanandhaa (right) played a 20-board clock simultaneous exhibition against some recognized Dutch chess players. ‘Pragg’ as he is called, won the encounter 20-0. Clock simultaneous exhibitions are more taxing than those without since one has to keep moving and maintain the quality of one’s moves. In photo: Pragg exchanges the traditional handshake prior to the beginning of his encounter. (PhotoChess News/Ploegarts)
During a strong grandmaster chess tournament two weeks ago in Vlissingen, Netherlands, 12-year-old Indian International Master R Praggnanandhaa (right) played a 20-board clock simultaneous exhibition against some recognized Dutch chess players. ‘Pragg’ as he is called, won the encounter 20-0. Clock simultaneous exhibitions are more taxing than those without since one has to keep moving and maintain the quality of one’s moves. In photo: Pragg exchanges the traditional handshake prior to the beginning of his encounter. (PhotoChess News/Ploegarts)

In 2005 when he retired from active competition, Russian Grandmaster and World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov was the highest-ranked player in the world. Owing to his spectacular accomplishments, which captivated the imagination of the public far and wide, Kasparov was generally believed to be the greatest chess player who has ever lived. That belief still resonates with the public to this day.

So, when we learnt that Kasparov was emerging from a 12-year retirement to compete in the St Louis Rapid and Blitz Tournament, we were excited. We were brimming with anticipation. We wanted to witness what the champ had to offer.