23 Apr 2025

#572 A MATCH of chess a day

 A MATCH of chess a day

Source: BlogChatter

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.

A match of chess a day keeps stress away.

I’ve been regularly playing chess on Chess.com for a year now and I’ve been very excited about playing it.

I’m excited about playing chess, not because I learned to play it recently, but because the idea of reviving an old hobby is what makes it interesting for me.

I learned to play chess from my paternal Uncle when I was a kid and I’ve been playing it ever since that day. During those days in the early 2000s, it was not too common to play chess online. So, I would rely only on physical games with my uncle, father, and sister.

Over time, with school and college, this hobby didn’t get enough exposure as there weren’t many of my friends who knew how to play it and I didn’t have internet access back then.

After some years, during my Master’s, I came across Chess.com, it’s when I got an online platform to play chess with players across the globe that sparked my interest in this game.


A chess board with snow on it

AI-generated content may be incorrect.
The image has been generated by the Author using the AI tool; GROK

Fast forward to 2024 June, when I moved to the Netherlands, I got to know some of the chess clubs in my locality and attended some only to find people who were so serious about Chess.

In one of the sessions of Chess classes, I attended, the instructor was teaching about different opening techniques but I could understand nothing as it was completely in Dutch.

I realized how accessible is playing Chess to me since I have online platforms like Chess.com. I can choose a 10-minute game to play with any player across the world.

One thing that I find interesting is that my mind gets to recognize countries from the flags set against each player.

They’re tournaments held regularly on that platform which the players can attend to improve their ratings. That website has a lot of features like Daily Puzzles, playing with bots, etc.

After playing chess regularly, I’ve observed that : 
 - I’ve been able to ease down my level of stress by a 10-minute match. I wouldn’t say I am too busy to spare 10 minutes for a chess match.

  • Whenever I open my laptop or get back to my desk for work, I play a 10-minute quick match to keep me back to work.
  • The feeling of victory sets the momentum for the day.
  • This is a way through which I feel connected to different people of the world.

Do you play chess? When was the last time you played it? Do you prefer playing it online or with the physical board? Feel free to share in the comment section. I would like to read more about it.

Source: BlogChatter

© All Rights Reserved!

 Swati Sarangi 

20.11.2024 

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  I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z 2025 

29 comments:

  1. I was very fond of chess as a young man. Now my patience wears out. But thanks for reminding me of Chess.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your views! Now, that you know about chess.com, would you like to have a match with me some day?

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  2. I never played chess, but all I know it sharpens the brain and I want my son to learn it... mostly to make him calm, steady and focused in life. By the way I love the chess board pattern and made one in that pattern for my terrace floor with tiles. :)

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    1. That sounds great ! Yes, I love chess board patterns too but in different colours to experiment

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  3. I totally relate to using a 10‑minute match to reset stress levels and get back into work mode—small rituals that pack a punch! And that moment of pride after a win? Pure joy. Thanks for sharing this slice of your life; it’s a lovely invitation for others to pick up the game too.

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  4. This post takes me back to the days when my son and I used to play chess together. He taught me the game when he was in 2nd standard.. still a mystery where he learned it from. Well, playing chess for 10 minutes before starting any work on the laptop definitely feels more refreshing than getting lost in endless reels.
    Anjali tripathi Upadhyay/Messymom

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  5. I haven't played chess for a long time now, but I did enjoy it more on physical boards where knocking out the opponent literally gives a kick. That said the best part about playing chess online is that you can play it alone (against a bot) and change the difficulty levels.

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  6. I like chess and it teaches a lot of strategy and patience. Duolingo has even started a great chess course for people who want to start from scratch

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  7. I played Chess when I was in school and after that never got a chance or anyone to play with. I was not aware of Chess.com, thanks for the information. I think it's time for me to revive some old hobbies.

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  8. Of lately, I and my girls have been investing some time everyday playing chess. We have made that a point with girls that one match each would play before bed. And they are loving it

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  9. I used to play chess when I was kid, and I remember I played very well but if you ask me now I am sure I won't be able to stand for more than few moves, but recently I am seeing chess a lot around me may be I will give it another try

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  10. Loved this! Such a clever and thoughtful take on Chess Day — made me see the game in a whole new light ♟️🧠👏

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  11. I have never played chess, but my daughter is learning it from my husband. She sometimes plays it alone or with friends. I loved how you came up with such a thought-provoking writeup on chess.

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  12. I tried a lot to learn to play Chess. Failed every time. However, reading your post and the observations you've shared have tempted me enough to try to learn it again. Mayuri/Sirimiri

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  13. I've never played chess, but it's great to know that it's online and easily accessible to everyone. It's one game that helps keep the brain active, maybe I should learn it now.

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  14. This is interesting. I am more of a crossword person so totally get you. The sense of accomplishment must be high. Good post

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  15. I enjoyed playing chess, but I don't even remember when I played the last game. I need to find someone to play with, after I find my chess pices and board which I had kept very carefully. So carefully that I don't even remember where it is. But yeah, chess.com can be the option in the mean time.

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  16. I started playing chess again when my elder daughter started. And now, they are just the ones I play with! My skills are rusty, and you have inspired me to start playing again!

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  17. Oh no. I have never! But I have always wanted to learn though.

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  18. We used to play chess a lot when my kids were young. Good to know about chess.com. I will surely try it.

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  19. These games can be good stress busters and having them online has helped us reach people globally and play with them. My husband loved playing scrabble online for example!

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  20. Love how you blend nostalgia with modern tech! Your passion for chess shines through, making it relatable and inspiring. A perfect reminder that hobbies can heal, connect, and keep our minds sharp!

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  21. My son plays regularly on chess.com and he's a chess crazy! He, too, plays the 10-minute games and puzzles daily. Poor guy tried to teach me but gave up...I was so bad at it.

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  22. I play chess sometimes, but I’m not very good at it. My son really enjoys it and my husband’s amazing at the game. Honestly, I’ve never even won a match against my son! I haven’t tried playing online yet, but it sounds fun. I think I should give it a try.

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  23. I've never played chess..but my daughter does and she loves to play on the board physical

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  24. I loved playing chess with my sister as kids. This blog brought back many memories!

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  25. I used to play online chess and Ludo a lot. Sometimes with strangers, sometimes with family, especially in the Covid era, those were my favorite games. Feeling nostalgic after reading the post.

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  26. I never played chess when I was young but was always intrigued by it growing up. It was when I had my daughters that I tried to learn the rules and taught them. Now they are experts and always beat me on games!

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  27. My husband plays chess online constantly. I don't but I really love playing Mahjong - physical, not online!
    Noor Anand Chawla

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