♙ My Chess Journey – A Game of Moves and Memories
By Dhananjay Patil

My journey with chess began on 27th July 2017 — a date etched in my memory not because of a grand tournament or a formal coaching session, but because of something far more personal: my younger brother, Digvijay Patil.

Unlike many who are introduced to the game through trainers or academies, my first mentor was family. Digvijay had a natural knack for observation — he learned by watching the hostel players at our school immerse themselves in intense matches during rest hours. Quietly, curiously, he absorbed their strategies and tactics.

And then, with the excitement only a younger brother can bring, he taught me everything he had picked up — not as a coach, but as a companion sharing something he loved.

From that moment on, chess wasn’t just a game. It was a bond. Supported by my brother, a few close classmates, and some generous seniors, I began to learn the basics. It didn’t take long before I was locked in daily matches, driven by curiosity and a hunger to improve.

In just under a year, I went from beginner to becoming one of the most formidable players in our school — holding my ground against anyone who dared to challenge me.

But the board wasn’t confined to school walls.

I found myself playing against college-level players, even as I was still a school student. One name I’ll never forget is Ajay Suryawanshi — calm, focused, and deeply strategic. Ajay didn’t just play chess — he understood it. Our matches were intense battles filled with cunning traps, unexpected twists, and beautiful plays.

It was from Ajay and his circle of seasoned players that I learned the art of openings, the depth of strategies, and one of my favorite lessons — the single rook endgame. I still recall my awe when I first saw Ajay deliver a checkmate with nothing but a rook.
"How could that be enough?" I wondered. But under his thoughtful guidance, I not only understood it — I mastered it.

We often played after school hours. One of our most memorable games was frozen in time on:

5th October 2018 | Friday, 6:07 PM Captured by Ajay Suryawanshi

Two minds locked in battle, growing together, move by move.

Ajay wasn’t just an opponent — he became a mentor. Thanks to players like him, my confidence soared. I began to draw games against seniors I once admired from afar. I was evolving, and I could feel it with every move.

To sharpen my game further, I turned to Chess.com — my digital dojo. There, I trained with bots, studied my losses, analyzed every position, and grew stronger. Slowly, I transformed into a consistent and calculated player — one who made each move with purpose.

Then came a moment that validated everything — the 2019 Under-17 Taluka Level Chess Tournament.
I entered with quiet confidence and walked out with first place.

But what made that day unforgettable was this: my younger brother, the one who taught me, also secured first place in the Under-14 category.

That wasn’t just a win. It was a celebration — of growth, of passion, and of a shared love that had taken us so far from where we started.

📰 Our achievement was even featured in a local newspaper, side by side with the word “प्रथम” (First) next to our names. It wasn’t just ink on paper. It was history — a snapshot of how far two brothers could go, armed with nothing but a board and belief.

Chess has taught me more than just tactics. It’s taught me patience, planning, and perseverance. It has shaped how I think — not just during games, but in life.

And the journey is far from over.

Even today, we often gather in a cozy café, sipping coffee and battling it out over familiar boards. The excitement hasn’t faded. The thrill remains the same.

One of these beautiful memories was captured again on:

16th February 2025 | Sunday, 12:17 PM

A calm afternoon of strategic clashes and shared laughter — once again captured by Ajay.

♙Checkmate isn’t the end — it’s just a reminder of how far you’ve come.
And for me, the journey still continues — one move, one memory at a time.

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