Nature is full of non-linear phenomena. As a simple example, consider a block of ice; when you raise the temperature, it heats up but nothing seems to change; eventually it reaches the critical temperature, and then melts.

Chess is also non-linear. A very simple move can be a huge blunder and reverse the outcome of the game. This provides a unique opportunity for young chess players to   learn the possibility of non-linear results when considering choices and outcomes.

By the way, programming has some similar properties. A small coding mistake can have significant negative implications on the functionality of the code.

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“Consider a person in front of a very long wall, let’s say 1000 kilometers in each direction”, he said. “Somewhere in that wall there’s a very thin slit through which you may enter, but the slit is invisible to the human eye. Therefore, to find the slit, you move forward towards the wall. If you are just in front of the slit — congratulations you go through. If you hit the wall — retreat back, move a few steps sideways and try again.”

“This”, Eytan said, “is a powerful way to learn the techniques of Aikido. Do it over and over again, try different things, until you find the right path. You will know when you find it.”

“One more thing”, Eytan added: “You can learn Aikido your entire life. Every time you pass through a thin slit in the wall, you find yourself right in front of a new wall, and start over one level deeper. ”

This story has helped me through a lot of learning challenges over the year. It works very well for Aikido as well as many other areas.

In chess, people sometimes get stuck in a “plateau” around a certain level of play. It is common in this case to feel frustrated and that something is missing in your chess game and you can’t figure out what it is. Silman’s The Amateur’s Mind addresses this problem directly.

Consider applying the thin slit approach here. What you need to make progress is usually something that only you can discover, but friends, parents and coaches can help. Try this: play and analyze many games, and do this with a diverse group of people so you get a lot of different ideas and perspectives.

Eventually you will find the thin slit you are looking for.

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People with a fixed mindset consider their abilities a gift. A certain ability level they have been given, which cannot change. Consequently, they typically spend all their time trying to prove to the world, and themselves, that they do in fact have the level of ability expected of them. This in turn results in avoidance of risk, for fear of failure (which for fixed-mindset is proof they are not good enough).

People with a growth mindset believe that effort leads to growth. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn (not a test of one’s skill level). Yes, talent is important, but effort is the real driver of success.

Boris Gelfand, who challenged Anand last year for the world championship, is well known for his approach to chess matches based on hard work and deep preparation. Laszlo Polgar, the father of Susan and Judith, famously said: “Geniuses are made, not born”.

So when your child wins, praise the effort not the achievement.

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You will be happier, more successful, more confident, more everything. In fact, you will say to yourself: why did I wait so long?

Make this your 2013 new year resolution: stop doing everything you don’t like doing, and focus on the things you really love. It’s best gift you can ever give yourself.

Happy new year!

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Interestingly, video games are known to get people into a state of flow. So does sports, music and a variety of others.

Flow makes us feel good. As human beings, once we experience flow, we tend to look for as much of it as we can find. That’s why video games tend to be addictive.

Flow in a Chess game is quite common too, as reported by many people.

As a chess parent guiding your child in the early stage of their chess exploration, it’s  important to let them experience and enjoy flow, by making sure they play at a level that is “just right” for them. In today’s competitive chess environment, you might think that “play-up” will give your child a faster track to higher rating, and it might; but consider also that the child might lose interest in the game altogether.

And if you want some happiness too, I recommend putting yourself in their shoes.

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Two examples from my personal life:

1. Daniel is passionate about chess. That’s why he is doing well. His drive is intrinsic and second to none.
2. Noa (my wife) is passionate about teaching Art with historical context, and decided to follow this passion of hers with Art History In Practice. Amazing things followed, like the homage to Nina Katchadourian.

Your mileage will NOT vary. I promise.

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Just saw the first few episodes and it’s really nice.

(be aware it may not be appropriate for kids…)

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The experiences.

It’s what you’ve experienced that makes you happy, not things you have (possessions). This has been proven, but we tend to forget and focus on “having more things.”

Whenever I go to a chess tournament with Daniel, I focus on enjoying the experience. Yes, I am also supportive of his pursuit of achievement and desire to win; but I it’s as rewarding, if not more, to enjoy the experiences — meeting new chess parents, the dinner at the hotel restaurant (where the tournament is played), the pool time, or analyzing games together.

My good friend Jay reminded me how important experiences are really. Thank you Jay!

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I have to say this was by far the best chess tournament I attended, mostly due to the venue. The Opryland resort is fantastic, and there are many things to do in between games, right there at the hotel – pools, restaurants, arcade room and much more.

Chess tournaments are a wonderful social opportunity, and we really enjoyed meeting  many young chess masters and their parents.

During the tournament, Daniel had an opportunity to play against the top-seated player in the section, on board #1 in the middle of the tournament hall.

Here are some photos from the event.

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In chess, the ability to focus is a clear advantage: when you practice, when you study, and especially when you play.

So regardless of anything else your child is doing to improve his/her chess — practicing the simple act of focusing will have an amazing impact. Focus, Focus, and Focus!

It’s guaranteed to make their chess much better. (and it’s a good thing to learn anyways)

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