Read why focus is what truly wins chess games

Chess reveals a player’s inner discipline long before it showcases talent. For young competitors, every match becomes a lesson in patience, awareness and emotional control. This is especially true for Riyansh Dwivedi of Apeejay School, Kharghar, who discovered how quickly a winning position can slip away when focus wavers. The experience, though brief on the board, has stayed with him and continues to shape the way he thinks about the game.

“I remember a game from the National Under-11 Championship this year in Jalgaon. I was relaxed after getting an early advantage. Because of that, I rushed my moves and missed a simple tactic, which eventually cost me the match. I learnt never to relax too early and to stay focused till the very last move. In chess, even one small careless moment can completely change the result,” he shared.

For many young players, such moments mark an important shift. A mistake stops being a setback and becomes a turning point, forcing them to look beyond moves and openings to the deeper discipline the sport demands. Riyansh’s reflection captures this transition clearly. It hints at a growing awareness that success in chess relies not only on calculation but also on the ability to hold steady when the board appears comfortable.

This understanding is what strengthens a player over time. It teaches resilience, sharpens attention and encourages a more thoughtful approach to competition. A single oversight in a winning position might disappoint in the moment, but it often becomes the insight that refines a player’s mindset for years ahead.

The chess player’s takeaway from that match is simple but powerful. It is a reminder that every game rewards those who stay present, patient and alert until the very end. And for a young player still shaping his journey, this lesson may prove more valuable than any early advantage on the board.