Chess Myths

To many, chess is a mysterious game, Medieval Age looking pieces with all different movements capturing and checking all over the board all at once. Mystery often leads us to fill in the missing pieces and make our own story. 

Today we will explore some popular myths about chess that were conceived by people who do not even have the slightest idea what chess is .

Myth I: Chess is hard to learn

Although chess is hard to master, it is relatively easy to learn! Learning the movements of 6 different pieces, the basic rules, and some tactics may seem hard at first, but it really isn't that difficult. 

This myth is why lots of people don't play chess. Something hard takes thinking, thinking means time, and time is just not something everyone has. I am not saying that you will be able to play chess well right off the bat, you do NEED time. It could take years for you to achieve a certain level of mastery.

With patience, you slowly build on your skills. The more you play and practice, the easier it becomes to play the game and learn new skills.

Myth II: Grandmasters are the smartest people on earth

"While Garry Kasparov can nearly play chess as well as my iPhone, he is otherwise an idiot." - Elon Musk

Okay, that statement isn't true, Elon Musk is just being... Elon Musk lol.

It is true that GMs are very smart individuals, but for some of these masters, their talents end at the chess board. Bill Gates is a high IQ individual, but he still got totally whipped by Magnus Carlsen in a chess game.

Obviously, there could be players who have a good deal of knowledge on and off the chess board, but we use the term "intelligent" too loosely. 

"I object to being called a genius, because I consider myself to be an all-around genius, who just happens to play chess, which is rather different. A piece of garbage like Kasparov might be called a chess genius, but he is like an idiot savant, outside of chess he knows nothing."  - Bobby Fischer

Man, lots of hate for Kasparov lol. What I am trying to say is, is that we should not look up to top chess players as the fountain of all knowledge. They are smart people for sure, but what they have is knowledge not wisdom.

Myth III: Older players are stronger than younger players

I get why some people agree with this one. Growing up, I played my dad a lot. Time after time after time, he beat me. Naturally, I thought this was because he was older than me. It was actually because I was young. My brain was not as developed as it is now, plus my dad has played chess for his whole life.

We have seen plenty of younger players win unimaginable games vs legendary players! For example, in 2021, when the 18-year-old GM Andrey Esipenko beat world champion Magnus Carlsen.

And here, in 2004 at the age of 14 Magnus Carlsen plays Garry Kasparov. This game was played at the Reykjavik Rapid tournament. This game caused a stir, because Magnus was able to get a draw against Kasparov who was still in his prime!

Magnus was up a pawn, but he was too skittish to push for the win. Kasparov underestimated Magnus in this one and was lucky to secure a draw.

So, are older players better than younger players? It really depends on who is playing. If me and Kasparov are sitting at a chess board playing a game, Kasparov is obviously the better and will crush me. But if me and my dad are playing, I am happy to say I will win every time now!

Myth IV: Chess is dull and a waste of time

100% not true. Most board games that we play have a big luck element to them. When playing chess, you have to incorporate logic and strategy, rather than relying on a roll of the dice. 

The Netflix series, The Queen's Gambit sparked a huge interest for chess. The mini-series won 11 Emmys and was viewed by more than 62 million households. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was praised for its accurate depiction of high-level chess and invigorated the public to learn it on a big scale. 

Chess is a good way to wind down, relax, and take your mind off things. I hardly see it as a waste of time. The visual flair to the game is what draws so many to it. It has connected and united for the love of the game.

Outro

I know no non-chess players will probably see this, but whatever ! Hope that was enough debunking for you, you non-chess players!! 

Seriously though, hope you really liked this blog! Next one will come out around Christmas with a surprise guest for you !

Would appreciate some feedback in the comments below!

Thanks again,

- @FA-18_SuperHornet2007