Top Five Life Lessons from Chess

Chess numbers among the most famous strategy games that trace back its history to around a millennium back. Despite the advent of computer-related strategy and wargames, chess remains a staple when it comes to such category. Given its appeal as well as its staying power, one may wonder what it is in chess that makes it so popular when it comes to games of strategy. Here are the top life lessons from chess:

1. Play by the rules.

Chess is a highly stylized game which follows certain movements for certain pieces. Rules have to be followed in order that a player may win. Life is also the same. One has to follow certain rules or laws for him to be successful. While there maybe times that breaking the rules maybe more convenient, sticking to them is almost always the key to success. Greatness is not measured by the number of milestones one has achieved but how he achieved such success.

2. Think before you make a move.

In chess, as in any other field, each move packs with it a consequence much like the Newton's third law of motion: every action has an equal and opposite reaction. It then naturally follows that a person should think first before he acts or suffer unfavorable consequences with regard to such actions. This also applies with regard to decision-making as well as discernment. An individual needs to weigh and examine all options possible in order to come up with a better, if not the best result without regrets whatsoever.

3. Harness your own as well as others strengths and help them strengthen their weakness.

Chess mimics life in that each piece has its own type of move and strength much like each individual has a different personality as well as talents and skills. Chess is a game of adjustments just as life is. You cannot expect everything to move as on smoothly as in clockwork. There will always be hurdles to go through but the important thing is that you see others through no matter what. This resounds to teamwork where each piece representing each individual contributes his or her share in order to defeat the enemy or successfully overcome a hurdle.

4. Be goal-oriented.

Chess has no other goal but to win. It is all about overcoming hurdles in order to reach one's aim. Just like chess life does not promise to be a bed of roses but if one is intent on achieving his goal, then no obstacle, no matter how difficult to circumvent, is enough to dampen his spirit and make him give up.

5. Timing is everything.

Chess and life are all about tactics which means timing is everything. You must learn when to attack and when to retreat or take a pause examine your position, your strengths and weakness and capitalize on the former and improve on the latter. Haste makes waste. A well-planned strategy or course of action is always the way to go.