Because I also play chess and with blessings from my tukayo, I take my namesake in stride. Unfortunately, my primo is now gone. So does the CNMI Chess Association and my short-lived chess ride. Setting aside this story, chess has actually helped me in my mental approach to tennis. That is why I recommend that tennis kids play also chess. Here are seven of my experiences.
1. Take the first move. I always fight to play the white pieces because even before the game starts, I am already one move ahead of my opponent. I hold on to that initiative up to the end. In tennis, if I win the toss to either elect to serve or receive, I grab that edge. For instance, if it is windy I elect to receive.
2. Force the issue. If I find my opponent is a slow poke or a chain smoker, I apply running tennis right away. In chess, when confronted by an opponent who has a weak end game, I force piece exchanges until the match reaches that stage.
3. Think in advance. I can’t beat a quality player if I am only less than five moves ahead. Chess is time-controlled game. The less time you spend pondering your next move the better. In tennis, .because it is a game of movement in a hurry, I visualize my next three shots. So I can only focus on hitting the ball while on the run.
4. Hide your emotion. When I am in trouble in my tennis match, I remain steadfast. I don’t show any sign of losing. In fact, I don’t even show that I am cramping. When I commit a blunder in chess, I keep my composure. If I don’t, my body language will send signal to my opponent of my mistake.
5. Avoid complications. When I see my opponent is complicating the game, I trade pieces without delay. I do the same thing in tennis. I simplify my match by going back to the basic. I hit the ball left and right. I hit lob when my opponent goes to the net. Return the ball crosscourt and hit a drop shot once in a while.
6. Sound body in a sound mind. In tennis, I jog and run to sustain my mental toughness on the court, notwithstanding the physical demand of it. It is the same thing in chess. The mind can’t do it alone. You must be physically fit too. Bobby Fischer plays tennis, swims, runs and jogs in preparation for his championship against Boris Spassky.
7. End the game without fanfare. If my opponent’s King is already in trouble, I don’t have to rush my move. Slowly but surely, I close in for the kill. Similarly in tennis, if I lead the game at 40 love to close the match, I take time. Knowing that my opponent would need 5 consecutive winning point to break me, the pressure is on. This time I attack his weakness relentlessly.
