My Toaster Almost Exploded; Here's How It Relates To Chess - Chess Forums

Dec 23, 2025

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#1

Hear me out... I was JUST trying to make breakfast!

So here's how it all began... one morning I decided to warm waffles in my toaster. I decided to mention that yes, the waffles burned up. That was a 'spoiler alert' by the way. anyways...

Let's just say I thought it was a harmless plan. A plan with zero possible damage… or so I thought.

I put the waffles in and waited. Within seconds (fine, minutes) my toaster starts making a noise that can only be described as 'an engine failing a tactics puzzle.' That's what gave me the idea later that it was related to chess lol.

Then... because the universe (or at least my kitchen) enjoys drama... it catches fire. Actual flames. Like, red and yellow and orange flames. The flames went as high as my cabinet. I panicked and grabbed the fire extinguisher, but grabbed a blanket instead. Better than nothing. As I’m frantically unplugging this flaming metal box (or should I say, toaster), it hits me:

This is exactly how my chess games go. SERIOUSLY. IM NOT LYING.
1. I start with a normal idea, like warm up waffles for breakfast (develop pieces normally)
2. Something tiny goes wrong. ofc it does- I out too many waffles in (I forget my knight is hanging)
3. Suddenly everything is burning... literal toaster flames (my entire kingside collapsing)
4. And the worst part? I always think, “No no, I can still save this,” right before everything gets even worse..

One moment I’m fine, the next I’m calculating whether I need a fire extinguisher (or in my case, a blanket?) or just a new Elo rating.
Moral of the story:
If your toaster starts smoking, stop immediately. Seriously.
If your position starts smoking (not with cigarettes, dont get me wrong), also stop immediately... preferably before sacrificing your queen (which I did)

(and this is a real story... not every detail is true, but the main point... my toaster caught on fire... is true)