Introduction: Why Chess Captivates Me

Chess has always held a special place in my life. I didn’t get into it for fame, tournaments, or trophies—but for the thrill of strategy, and the quiet joy of one move unfolding into another.

I started playing when I was a kid in the ’90s. Back then, board games and early video games coexisted, but nothing beat family gatherings. Every December, during our huge family Christmas reunion, we’d host chess tournaments. With my dad having nine siblings and each with three kids or more, these events were like mini-Olympics. I remember my uncle Raúl and “Ermencio”—nicknamed after his mom’s name, Hermencia—always dominating the board. I never managed to beat them, but that’s where I learned the basics.

The Origin and Evolution of Chess

The story of chess spans over a millennium. It originated in India around the 6th century as a game called chaturanga, which later evolved through Persia (shatranj) and the Islamic world before arriving in Europe. By the 15th century, the game started resembling the version we know today, with the powerful queen and faster-paced gameplay.

Over time, chess evolved not only as a game of war strategy but also as a symbol of intellectual prowess. By the 20th century, it had become a global sport, with international tournaments and grandmasters recognized worldwide.

Different Variants of Chess Around the World

Though most players know the standard 8x8 version, chess comes in many forms:

• Blitz Chess: Fast-paced, often with 5-minute timers per side.
• Bullet Chess: Even faster—games can last just one or two minutes.
• Fischer Random (Chess960): Invented by Bobby Fischer to randomize piece setup and emphasize creativity over memorized openings.
• Three-Check Chess: You win not by checkmate, but by checking your opponent three times.
• Bughouse: A chaotic, fun team version often played in clubs.

As I got older, I discovered the thrill of fast chess. When I was around 20, a friend of my older brother started visiting our house regularly. He played at the local chess house in Santa Rosa—a place that, to be honest, always smelled awful (something about the old furniture and… let’s just say it wasn’t the best ventilated place). But the experience shaped me. We played every single day, sometimes setting 15-minute timers to keep things sharp and intense.

What Chess Has Taught Me Personally

I didn’t always play consistently, but chess kept pulling me back. In high school, I joined a school tournament—not because I was eager to win, but just to skip class. Ironically, that decision deepened my understanding of the game.

Today, I’m someone who thrives on evaluating possibilities. I love exploring every angle of a situation to make the best decision—and chess has a huge part in that. The game teaches you to think several moves ahead, to evaluate risk, and to anticipate outcomes. It sharpens your mind with every match, especially when time is limited.

When you play timed games, like we did with those 15-minute clocks, you learn to think fast while staying strategic. You might sacrifice a piece, but it’s part of a larger plan. That thinking carries over to real life: decision-making, planning, even problem-solving in stressful situations.

How Chess Transformed My Thinking—and What It Can Do for Kids Too

Chess isn’t just a game—it’s a gym for your brain.

Studies show that playing chess enhances memory, improves concentration, and even boosts IQ. For children, it develops spatial reasoning and critical thinking. It teaches patience and emotional regulation—especially important when dealing with wins and losses.

From my own life, I can say this: playing chess, even just one game a day, gives my mind a reset. Every day I log into chess.com and play at least one match. Sometimes it lasts just ten minutes or less. But in those few minutes, I disconnect from everything and dive into pure focus. It’s a daily mental workout.

Chess also helps develop grit. There are moments in a match when everything feels lost—then, one clever tactic can change the entire game. That resilience has helped me far beyond the board.

My Favorite Chess Apps and Platforms

Today, there are countless ways to play chess online. But my go-to platform is Chess.com. It’s user-friendly, has millions of players at every level, and offers fantastic tools like:

• Puzzle Rush (for quick tactical training)
• Game analysis (to review your mistakes and wins)
• Lessons and videos from grandmasters
• Play-by-play replays

I also recommend:

• Lichess.org – 100% free and open-source
• Chess Clock (mobile app) – perfect for over-the-board matches
• Play Magnus – train against Magnus Carlsen at different ages

Best Openings, Strategies, and How I Approach Them

I’m no grandmaster, but I’ve grown to love classic openings like:

• The Italian Game: Quick development and control of the center.
• The Sicilian Defense: Aggressive and sharp, especially against 1.e4.
• The Queen’s Gambit: Made famous again thanks to Netflix, it’s rich in strategic depth.

When playing, I focus on these principles:

• Control the center
• Develop all pieces before attacking
• Don’t move the same piece twice early on
• Always think: “What’s my opponent’s plan?”

And one personal strategy I always stick to: Even if you’re losing, never rush. Sometimes your opponent will make a critical mistake. Stay sharp.

How to Start Playing: Tips for Beginners

If you’re new to chess or trying to get someone interested, here’s my advice:

• Start with tactics: They’re more fun and rewarding than memorizing theory.
• Play short games: Blitz and rapid matches teach you fast decision-making.
• Watch YouTube tutorials: GothamChess, Hanging Pawns, and ChessNetwork are great.
• Lose. A lot. You won’t learn unless you lose and analyze why.

And most importantly: don’t worry about elo or rating at first. Focus on consistency. That’s why I play every day. One match, one moment of pure focus—it’s enough.

Conclusion: Why Chess Still Matters Today

Chess has stayed relevant for centuries because it speaks to something timeless: the joy of thinking.

In a world full of distractions, chess is pure presence. It’s just you, your mind, and the board. Whether you’re playing in a noisy family gathering, a stinky chess club (shoutout to Santa Rosa), or quietly online before bed, the value is always the same: growth.

So if you’re curious about starting, don’t overthink it. Download an app, sit down with a board, and move that first pawn. Who knows—maybe you’ll fall in love with it like I did.