When you play with the best in the world, it is important that you not lose focus. You must be fully focused. Even a minor error could result in a massive defeat. Viswanathan Anand Read Quote
In chess, knowledge is a very transient thing. It changes so fast that even a single mouse-slip sometimes changes the evaluation. Viswanathan Anand Read Quote
I think an important lesson from the game is that once you have made a move, you cannot take it back. You really have to measure your decisions. You think a lot. You evaluate your choices very carefully. There’s never any guarantee about what’s going to follow once you have made a decision. Viswanathan Anand Read Quote
If you have a strong opponent, a competition is stimulating. I am generally most open to ideas when I have had a bad result. In chess, too, players specialise. This specialty then becomes an entry barrier. Viswanathan Anand Read Quote
My parents were very supportive of my chess. When I got home after a game of chess, having missed school or something, they always made me feel very welcome; I didn’t feel guilty at all about pursuing chess with such fervour. They never, for instance, perceived sports as a rival to academics. Viswanathan Anand Read Quote
Before a game, I avoid having a heavy meal so that I don’t feel sleepy at the board. You eat to be healthy, and that generally takes care of everything. Also, you can’t be too finicky, since at tournaments you tend to eat at restaurants here and there. But, as long as you’re eating sensibly, it’s all good. Viswanathan Anand Read Quote
It’s important, according to me, to train in small doses so as to not lose the joy of playing chess. I personally think too many coaching and training classes may take away a child’s interest in the game itself. The essential thing to do is practise often and, in case of a doubt, to consult a trainer. Viswanathan Anand Read Quote
There is always the risk of being over-confident when you are preparing to face a weaker player. Viswanathan Anand Read Quote
There are some aspects of work you need to keep working on and no matter what environment you are in. Continuous learning is very important. It’s what I call ‘competitive tension’, which is about having a competition around. Viswanathan Anand Read Quote
Things like the financial markets – a proper grounding in mathematics could help the common man. I believe that if people are more familiar with mathematical concepts… it can help deal with modern life, which is increasingly complex. Viswanathan Anand Read Quote