Your network blocks the Lichess assets!

lichess.org
Donate

Keep Your Head in the Clouds

@VoicelessFeather

Great article!

I'm not saying aggressive chess should be off limits. But when you feel the urge to attack your opponent, to release the tension, just try to be cognizant of whether that desire has logic behind it, try to understand whether it is coming from a place of fear or confidence.

Good advice.

I recommend everyone watch this hilarious interview by Matthias Bluebeam after his miraculous save against Vincent Keymer in the Grand Swiss. It undercuts my point a bit, but you know what they say, the exception proves the rule.

Bluebaum: "I basically gave up and still got lucky"

;)

But I'm teasing (the exception proves the rule). You are right about confidence.

Without this belief it is far too easy to put up token resistance, you play moves to be annoying, you set traps, but your heart isn't in it.

Why is it the case that heart is required for good moves. I mean you are right. What I mean is why do you think that is? Why don't people play equally as good with or without heart simply through rational thinking.

To paraphrase, according to Ramesh the primary reason that Gukesh is so strong is not because of his exceptional calculation, not because of innovative opening preparation, but rather almost tautologically that Gukesh is so good simply because he thinks that he is "too good".

Ramesh's comment triggers me. He is also coach of Pragg, so this kind of chatter makes sense. Ramesh is arrogant and trying to stir the pot lol. One does not become World Champion simply due to being 'confident'.

Ramesh is well known for his terrible takes. When Carlsen bullied Niemann, Ramesh stated he had 'immense respect' for Carlsen for taking a 'principled stand'.

This is nothing against you of course. Confidence is very important and I agree with your blog.

It's just Ramesh's comments which are thoughtless.

@VoicelessFeather Great article! >I'm not saying aggressive chess should be off limits. But when you feel the urge to attack your opponent, to release the tension, just try to be cognizant of whether that desire has logic behind it, try to understand whether it is coming from a place of fear or confidence. Good advice. >I recommend everyone watch this hilarious interview by Matthias Bluebeam after his miraculous save against Vincent Keymer in the Grand Swiss. It undercuts my point a bit, but you know what they say, the exception proves the rule. Bluebaum: "I basically gave up and still got lucky" ;) But I'm teasing (the exception proves the rule). You are right about confidence. > Without this belief it is far too easy to put up token resistance, you play moves to be annoying, you set traps, but your heart isn't in it. Why is it the case that heart is required for good moves. I mean you are right. What I mean is why do you think that is? Why don't people play equally as good with or without heart simply through rational thinking. >To paraphrase, according to Ramesh the primary reason that Gukesh is so strong is not because of his exceptional calculation, not because of innovative opening preparation, but rather almost tautologically that Gukesh is so good simply because he thinks that he is "too good". Ramesh's comment triggers me. He is also coach of Pragg, so this kind of chatter makes sense. Ramesh is arrogant and trying to stir the pot lol. One does not become World Champion simply due to being 'confident'. Ramesh is well known for his terrible takes. When Carlsen bullied Niemann, Ramesh stated he had 'immense respect' for Carlsen for taking a 'principled stand'. This is nothing against you of course. Confidence is very important and I agree with your blog. It's just Ramesh's comments which are thoughtless.

@RuyLopez1000

We are fundamentally emotional creatures, as a result of this if we don't fully believe in our chances in a game we will naturally lose our immersion/investment which affects us on both a conscious and subconscious level. Being a fierce competitor matters as much in chess as in any physical sport.

Regarding Ramesh's comment, I tend to agree that Gukesh gains a lot of his strength from his confidence. This is reflected in the incredible ambition in his play, but also in his sharp drop in form in his recent events. Of course Gukesh is an incredibly strong player regardless, but I remember having a distinct feeling when watching him play in the Olympiad that he was someone who truly believed in his indestructibility.

In general, I think the insights of chess players and their personal beliefs are best considered separately, unfortunately being good at chess does not guarantee someone will be reasonable in other departments.

@RuyLopez1000 We are fundamentally emotional creatures, as a result of this if we don't fully believe in our chances in a game we will naturally lose our immersion/investment which affects us on both a conscious and subconscious level. Being a fierce competitor matters as much in chess as in any physical sport. Regarding Ramesh's comment, I tend to agree that Gukesh gains a lot of his strength from his confidence. This is reflected in the incredible ambition in his play, but also in his sharp drop in form in his recent events. Of course Gukesh is an incredibly strong player regardless, but I remember having a distinct feeling when watching him play in the Olympiad that he was someone who truly believed in his indestructibility. In general, I think the insights of chess players and their personal beliefs are best considered separately, unfortunately being good at chess does not guarantee someone will be reasonable in other departments.

Usually (or anecdotally), the sign of uber-confidence in tournaments is the hallmark of some low Elo players.

Amusingly, I suffer from the same often enough OTB. I think the position is plainly clear and that the moves are obvious and that my opponent hardly understands chess at the same level. Needless to say, this mentality has led to more negative than positive results over a long time-frame...

Usually (or anecdotally), the sign of uber-confidence in tournaments is the hallmark of some low Elo players. Amusingly, I suffer from the same often enough OTB. I think the position is plainly clear and that the moves are obvious and that my opponent hardly understands chess at the same level. Needless to say, this mentality has led to more negative than positive results over a long time-frame...

If you ever feel terrible about your position, tell yourself, "If Leela can build a massive score in queen down positions, I can defend this position"

If you ever feel terrible about your position, tell yourself, "If Leela can build a massive score in queen down positions, I can defend this position"

I often like to say: "Confidence is essential but not sufficient for any competitive endeavor."

While confidence and resolve should be unshakeable, there is certainly such a thing as overconfidence (which some may argue is a different quality entirely despite the name). Chess moves themselves shouldn't be based on confidence alone, but the processes by which we determine those moves should be rooted in and supported by a belief that we are fully capable of winning against anyone.

Fantastic article by the way.

I often like to say: "Confidence is essential but not sufficient for any competitive endeavor." While confidence and resolve should be unshakeable, there is certainly such a thing as overconfidence (which some may argue is a different quality entirely despite the name). Chess moves themselves shouldn't be based on confidence alone, but the processes by which we determine those moves should be rooted in and supported by a belief that we are fully capable of winning against anyone. Fantastic article by the way.