
36 Lessons I Took from Chess to My Life
Even though I stopped playing chess professionally over 10 years ago, the lessons I learned from the game continue to shape my life.
As I turned 36 a few days ago, I reflected on these lessons and put together a list of 36 insights that chess has taught me — lessons that go far beyond the board.
I hope these insights inspire you, challenge you, and maybe even help you make a few winning moves in your own life.
1. Know your why before you start.
When your why isn’t clear, your story often becomes what others want it to be.
2. Learn the fundamentals fundamentally.
The deeper your foundation, the higher you can build.
3. Right Mood - Right Move!
The right mood generates the right moves.
4. Think before you act.
Impulsive moves — on the board or in life — rarely end well.
5. Quality wins quantity.
A few great choices trump many mediocre ones.
6. Time is your most valuable resource.
Use it wisely; don’t let distractions steal it away.
7. Surround yourself with good mentors.
Good mentors don’t just save you time — they teach you how to make the time you have more meaningful.
8. Look for hidden opportunities.
Great moves come from spotting possibilities others overlook.
9. Anticipate your opponent’s moves.
Understanding others’ perspectives leads to better decisions.
10. Protect your king.
Take care of yourself first, or you can’t help others.
11. Know your weaknesses.
Acknowledging them is the first step toward improvement.
12. Play to your strengths.
Focus on what you’re good at instead of trying to be everything.
13. Don’t fear sacrifices.
Sometimes, you must let go of something good to achieve something great.
14. A strong defense is as important as a strong offense.
Protecting what you’ve built matters just as much as chasing new goals.
15. Know when to attack.
Timing is everything; strike when the moment is right.
16. The small details matter.
Ignoring them can lead to bigger problems down the line.
17. Don’t cling to bad positions.
Learn to let go of what’s not working and start fresh.
18. Study your losses.
Every failure is a lesson in disguise.
19. Celebrate your wins, but don’t get arrogant.
Success today doesn’t guarantee success tomorrow.
20. Play your own game.
Trying to copy others will only dilute your strengths.
21. Control your emotions.
Anger and frustration lead to blunders on and off the board.
22. Don’t be afraid of calculated risks.
The biggest rewards often come with some uncertainty.
23. Plan, but don’t overthink.
Too much planning can paralyze action; trust yourself to adapt.
24. Adapt when necessary.
Life and a chess game are unpredictable; flexibility keeps you in the game.
25. Don’t waste time on meaningless moves.
Every decision carries an opportunity cost, so make sure it adds value to your position.
26. Know the value of your resources.
Prioritize what truly matters, and don’t trade for less.
27. Beware of traps.
What looks easy is often too good to be true.
28. Confidence is key, but overconfidence is dangerous.
Believe in yourself, but stay grounded.
29. You can’t see everything.
Accept that perfection is impossible and move forward anyway.
30. Trust your intuition.
Sometimes, your gut knows what your brain doesn’t.
31. Know when to take a step back.
Sometimes, retreating is the smartest way to move forward.
32. Balance is everything.
Overcommitting in one area leaves you vulnerable in others.
33. Enjoy the game.
If it’s not fun anymore, it’s time to rethink your approach.
34. The game isn’t over until it’s over.
Even in the toughest positions, there’s always hope.
35. Be brave and experiment.
Just because it’s unconventional doesn’t mean it’s not brilliant.
36. The journey is as important as the destination.
Enjoy the process, not just the results.
***
The beauty of chess lies in its simplicity and complexity, just like life.
There are emotions, victories, and setbacks, but the greatest lesson is to enjoy the game while it lasts.
With best wishes and love,
For your growth and fun journey,
GM Avetik (or Avo, as my friends call me.)
P. S.
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