In conversation with Nihal Sarin
It’s not everyday this particular blog crosses paths with a grandmaster. The last time we featured a close encounter with a celebrity, Shah Rukh Khan himself was involved. But as luck would have it, I managed to score an email interview with Nihal Sarin. If you aren’t aware of who he is (maybe because you don’t follow chess), you will soon be (maybe because it’s impossible to ignore him). At the age of 14, he is not only a chess grandmaster but also the world’s #1 player in his age category. Based in Thrissur (Kerala), he is already on the go for the upcoming World Rapid and Blitz Championship in Russia. One of the most promising talents in his field, he comes across as a kid—a word I find inadequate thanks to his accomplishments so far — who is calm and understands himself very well. He refuses to get carried away by what’s going on; something I admire a lot about him.
What is the one thing that you like the most about chess?
The fight between the pieces. I find the battle between the knight and the bishop quite fascinating these days.
In your opinion, what makes you better than your fellow young opponents?
I don’t really think I am better than anyone. It is too early to think about such things. In general, I try to play good games, try to win and try not to lose. I try to keep it simple.
How many hours do you train on a daily basis?
Most of my time is spent playing and checking different games, positions, and just wondering about chess. I keep thinking about concrete chess positions, and keep calculating variations, plans, etc.— even while talking, walking, or doing something else. This process of thinking doesn’t stop. Training? I don’t know, knowledge cannot be caged inside a set number of hours. I end up thinking about chess more or less all the time. You can call that training.
What keeps you motivated at the competitive level?
I love chess. It is fun. And I love the feeling of playing well, and also getting lucky sometimes.
You are a grandmaster at the age of 14. Have you set yourself a target to reach #1 position before a certain age?
No. Again, these things I don’t control. I don’t think about things that I don’t control. But I would love to play as strong as I possibly can someday.
Last month you played against Viswanathan Anand at Tata Steel Chess and the game ended in an interesting draw. Do you feel the pressure of taking forward the chess legacy long heralded by Anand?
Not really. Once again, I have some expectations of myself — and they are not based on my results. I just want to play as well as I can and try and win as many games as I can.
Do you see yourself playing chess at the highest level well in to your late 40s the way Anand is doing?
Not sure as of now. It depends on the situation. AlphaZero is already unlocking new ways of thinking about chess. So, we will [have to] see.
Have you ever missed a school exam because of an ongoing chess tournament?
My school is quite supportive. I obviously miss most of my exams [due to travels] but they help me take care of it. Academics are important but chess is my thing.
Do your class-mates treat you differently because of your chess prowess?
Thankfully, no. I do feel a lot of love and respect from them. I am grateful for that. Apart from that, luckily, they don’t treat me any differently and that is a big relief.
If you were to describe your chess journey in one word, what would that be?
Fun.
Of these three kinds of wins — against a higher rated player, against an idol, from a losing position — which one would you cherish the most?
A win is a win. I don’t have idols. All players are good in my opinion. These days you can’t take anyone lightly.
According to you, who is the greatest chess player of all time?
I can’t judge right now; I know too less. But of what I’ve seen so far, it is Magnus Carlsen.
If you could meet 3 celebrated chess personalities from the past for lunch, who would they be?
Alexander Alekhine, Mikhail Tal and Bobby Fischer. However, I’d prefer to have all the food for myself. I don’t share food.
Is there any superstition you follow before a game to set up the right attitude?
I don’t have any superstitions. I really find habits that are not based on scientific proof very questionable and difficult to believe.
How do you deal with nervousness before a big game?
Being nervous is good. Confidence is not absence of nervousness and fear. It actually means doing something despite that nervousness and fear. It is all right to be nervous. It makes you alert.
Does it bother you that chess is not a very popular sport in India?
It may not be popular but maybe that is how it should be? Maybe it is good to keep it a niche sport. It can probably become mainstream by bringing it on TV but even then, there is no guarantee that people will enjoy it.
Who were you rooting for during the Carlsen-Caruana clash for World Championship title?
I was supporting Caruana. But [it’s] okay, Magnus is strong.
Which outdoor sport/s interest you?
Badminton.
Do you get time to read and/or watch movies?
I love Malayalam comics like Balarama. Also, Malayalam comedies are fun to watch.
Lastly, can you share a tip with our readers on how to improve at chess?
Well, play a lot of chess and read a lot of chess books depending on your level.
