"A parent or teacher discovers an exceptional mind: a memory of shocking precision; a special intuition for geometry; a gift for logic and abstraction."
"Chess, for the child, becomes everything. They are transfixed by its beauty, lured by its depth, compelled by the contest."
"They play and replay the games of their heroes: José Raúl Capablanca, Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov, dreaming of winning the game's most prestigious events."
"Over the board, they fight. Games stretch on for hours, battles of will against other children whose identities, like their own, are tied up with winning."
Exceptional chess talent is often discovered in childhood, leading to early immersion in the game. Young players exhibit remarkable memory, intuition, and logical skills. As they train, they develop discipline and competitiveness, often prioritizing chess over other aspects of life. Many leave home to pursue better training opportunities, engaging deeply with the game through study and practice. They aspire to emulate legendary players and face intense competition, experiencing both the highs of victory and the lows of defeat, which shapes their identities as chess players.
Read at The Walrus
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