Who is Kincső Tóth?
Chess is a game that inspires passion, discipline, and creativity. For Kincső Tóth, it’s been a lifelong journey filled with trophies, challenges, and connections. In today's interview, Kincső reflects on her chess beginnings, her victories, and the balance between her many passions.
How did you first get into chess? Was it love at first game, or did it take some time to enjoy?
It all started during a visit to my elementary school as a kindergartener. I noticed a collection of trophies in the main hall and asked my mom if I could win one too. She told me I could - perhaps in chess. Once I started school, we had mandatory chess classes for the first couple of years. It was love at first sight for me, although I’ve always preferred playing over studying the game.
You loved playing but not studying - what kept you coming back to the game anyway?
There’s something magical about sitting at the board and playing a game. When I’m playing, I enter a zone where nothing else matters. That feeling of winning also kept me coming back.
What inspired you to take chess more seriously in 2018? Was it the thrill of competition or something else?
It was a bit of both, but mostly something clicked after the 2017 Hungarian Youth Team Olympiad. I realized I wanted to improve. I started playing actively online and connected with friends who shared the same passion for improvement.
How did you prepare for the Amateur Youth Olympics? Any memorable moments you like to reminisce on?
I worked with my coach weekly, and his support was incredible. He sensed my excitement for the game and encouraged me to aim high. During our last session before the tournament, he told me he felt I’d win. I laughed it off, but that week I ended up winning the Hungarian Amateur Youth Olympiad.
Winning the Hungarian Youth Olympiad must have been amazing! How did that victory change your goals in chess?
It was an incredible experience and gave me the motivation to aim higher. After the win, I started playing FIDE tournaments. The format was challenging but much more enjoyable for me. Following this path, I eventually won the Hungarian Youth Championships (U18 Girls) in 2021.
Your FIDE Elo has gone from 1324 to a peak of 1912. What’s been the toughest part of this climb?
The pandemic made things harder, as I missed my last years of K40 and several big tournaments. The toughest part has been studying openings and endgames - areas I’m still not passionate about. And, of course, losses sting more as you climb higher.
What were the biggest takeaways from working with a coach between 2018 and 2021?
Puzzles, puzzles, puzzles! We did tons of them - sometimes even simple ones - but they worked wonders for my calculation skills. It was similar to today’s Puzzle Rush, but over Skype. Working with a coach also made me stay disciplined and spend quality time on chess.
You’ve been studying on your own since 2021 - how is it different from working with a coach? Do you have any favorite tools or routines you use now?
Studying alone is much harder after years of coaching. It’s slowed my progress and made me a bit lazier. These days, I focus on puzzles, game analysis, and Chessable courses. That said, I’m planning to get a coach again soon.
As a full-time student, how do you juggle school and chess?
Chess takes a backseat during the semester, but it’s never out of my life. I focus on my studies during school terms and look for tournaments during breaks. In the summer, I usually play 2-3 tournaments and occasionally participate in the Hungarian National League or online games.
What made you start streaming your chess journey? How was the beginning of it?
I started streaming in 2021 out of boredom during the pandemic. Chess was the obvious choice, as it’s something I’m somewhat decent at. The beginning was fun - we built a small community in just a few months, and many of those early viewers are still around.
What’s been the best part of streaming so far? Do you have any stream goals?
Meeting people has been the best part. It’s amazing how chess brings people together across borders. Events like the 2022 Paris Twitchcon and the 2024 Budapest Olympiad really highlighted this for me. I want to grow as a streamer, though I’ve lost motivation at times. But I always come back, and I’ve got some exciting plans ahead—I’ll be more consistent this time!
What does life look like outside chess, streaming and studying? Are there any other pursuits or hobbies you like to indulge?
Life is mostly filled with those three, but I love spending time with friends and family. I also work with chess.com as a Live Moderator. You can occasionally find me on chesscom/chess24 Twitch and YouTube chat. Lately, I’ve been watching lots of movies as well to catch up on what I’ve missed as I’ve never been a huge movie person!
Rapid fire questions:
What’s your favorite opening? Budapest, Morra, or Wing Gambit.
If you could play against any chess legend from history, who would it be? Bobby Fischer.
What should we do when we tilt? Take a break - get some water, cool down, and then return.
And finally, who is Kincső Tóth?
Kincső Tóth is a Hungarian chess streamer, a dedicated Computer Engineer student, a chess enthusiast and a music lover. While I don’t have everything figured out yet, I’m always eager to grow in every direction possible.
