The Power Of Observation: How A Chess Opponent Outsmarted Me

In chess, I have played against newbies. I have also played against strong players. I have played against newbies who played like strong players, and strong players who committed so many blunders as if they were new to chess. I've also encountered chess Wizards. I know wizards isn't the right term, but I couldn't think of a better term to use. In this context, a wizard is a chess player who plays like they can read your mind. When it comes to chess, expect the impossible. The turnarounds, every heartbeat, and the emotions attached when you win or lose a game are what make the game interesting. A few days ago, we played a face-off in my school chess team, where players came together and showed their skills. Something interesting happened and I’ll share it with you in this post.

As I mentioned, a few days ago, I played chess with my school friends (the school’s chess team.) Typically, we come around from time to time to play chess, solve puzzles, and practice. I was in my chess spirit, winning back-to-back games. I played 5 games and won them all. Five out of five winsis a big deal, especially because I also played against strong players. A spectator who had been watching all my games requested to play against me. Feeling confident, I welcomed the challenge. According to him, he had been studying my playing style and was convinced that he could beat me. When he said this, I scoffed. “You have only seen me play 5 games and you're confident that you could beat me,” I whispered to myself.

So, we arranged for the board to play. He asked if he could use black, and I allowed. To my surprise, he did. Of course, I made blunders. But the point is that he said he had studied my games and was confident he could beat me and he did. He delivered. How did he win? Our ratings on Lichess say I am stronger, so how did he win? By simply observing my games? I had a hundred and one questions. After the game, I sat down to reflect on what had just happened. After reflecting on the games, I came down with three answers.

First, he studied my games and identified the pattern in my moves, openings, and decision-making. I thought about it and remembered that I used almost similar openings in the five games he watched. I also used the opening against him. This guy literally sat down close to me, studied, and identified my patterns. Secondly, he observed my responses to attacks. For instance, when caught up in a tight situation, what do I do? Hurriedly make a decision or carefully analyze the board. Finally, by watching my previous games, he pointed out my weaknesses and developed special moves to counter them. At first, it was difficult for me to believe, but looking deeply, it really is a big deal. The next time we play, I will try to mix up my strategies and introduce unexpected moves.

Have you ever underestimated the power of observation? Have you ever been outsmarted by a chess player who observed your games? @masterswatch What’s your take on this?