Wesley So: The Art of Selective Chess, Finding Balance in a Changing Game
Image Source: Internet
Mumbai: International Grandmaster Wesley So, ranked 11th in the world, has found a new passion in competing for the Mumba Masters at the Global Chess League (GCL) in Mumbai. In an exclusive interview, So discusses the importance of being selective in today's fast-paced chess world, where players face numerous events and formats. So, who achieved a peak classical Elo rating of 2822 and became world No.2 in 2017, believes that it's better to participate in one exceptional event than multiple mediocre ones. He cites his recent experience at the Goa World Cup as an example, where he felt overwhelmed and made mistakes that cost him a higher ranking. So emphasizes the need for players to prioritize events, taking into account their age, stamina, and goals. As a 32-year-old player, he has to be more strategic in his approach, focusing on a few key events rather than trying to participate in as many as possible. This approach has allowed him to maintain a high level of performance and achieve success in events like the Sinquefield Cup. When asked about the health of chess in the US, So credits the St. Louis Chess Club and its founders, Rex and Jeanne Sinquefield, for creating a thriving chess ecosystem. This has enabled players like Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana, and Levon Aronian to pursue professional careers. So believes that online chess and streaming have helped increase interest in the game, and that government support for chess programs in schools is crucial for its growth. To attract more eyeballs globally, So suggests introducing chess to new audiences, such as schools and online platforms, and promoting the game through engaging storytelling and visuals. As a player, So's primary motivation is to improve and play better chess, eliminating his weaknesses and setting long-term goals. He emphasizes the importance of self-improvement and being the best version of himself, both on and off the board.
