Inside the mind of a chess player

The clattering of pieces, the smashing of the chess clock, and the occasional long, deep pauses of each player as the board shifts into a new position: it is quite an odd scene from the perspective of unknowing spectators. Yet for all its mystery, there is a technical process that each chess player generally follows to outplay their opponent. 

In the NCAA, each team has its specific niche in how they approach their opponents under the Standard time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment. Some may rely on opening preparation, others on aggressive play, while the rest simply wait out their opponent until the cracks in their armor become noticeable as the hours pass by. 

As both players shake hands and start the clock, we begin the first stage of the long, grueling match, which is the Opening phase. Both players may opt to dish out their first few moves as quickly as possible, relying on the memorized opening lines they’ve stored in their mind, which have been developed for months, or rather years, before the tournament had even begun.  

Amateur woodpushers commonly memorize up to at least a couple of chess moves, which may be up to ten to fifteen moves, perhaps even a little more, depending on the flow of the game. In the collegiate level, however, each varsity player must memorize at least five times more than any amateur would, and naturally do the same for their other openings. 

Memorization isn’t the bottom line for this phase; rather, it's the opening principles that each player must subscribe to. This includes developing pieces, connecting the rooks, and castling early.

Once the white and black pieces have formed the desired position for either side, the game now transitions to the Middlegame. 

The basic thought process for the Middlegame would be to control the center, prophylaxis(prevent incoming threats and attacks), neutralization of current threats, and mobility of your pieces. Prophylaxis and neutralization must come first before any intended maneuver or attack; otherwise, one may find themselves in a suicide charge.

How the NCAA player would play out the Middlegame would still be distinctive from their rivals. Each playing style can be boiled down to two simple labels: tactical and positional. 

A tactical player in the Middlegame would have a more aggressive and exciting approach, aiming to secure a significant advantage. They would characteristically lead their opponent to traps and do-or-die positions, where a failed defense would mean a sure victory for the tactical predator. 

Positional players, on the other hand, play a lot more calmly and quietly. Their goal is to simply position their pieces in the strongest squares and secure a long-term advantage, leading to the Endgame.

Despite the stark difference between the two playing styles, both must utilize tactics, which are puzzle-like positions on the board intended to secure a significant advantage or even a straight-out victory for the favoured player. These tactics have been experienced and solved hundreds of times by regular NCAA varsity players, thus each tactic spotted and played on the board is most often based on intuition and muscle memory. 

Now, once the Middlegame has wrapped up, and the white and the black pieces have been reduced to only several pieces, the Endgame has been initiated. 

There isn't any main principle to be followed during this phase, as how each position is to be approached is entirely dependent on where each piece is stationed and what advantage either color would have over the other.

Complete accuracy is necessary when it comes to the Endgame. A machine-like approach is recommended; otherwise, an unfortunate draw or worse, a loss may be accrued despite all efforts. 

To succeed in trampling over their opponent in this phase, a player must have absolute mastery over all endgame positions, most of which can be found on the revered Silman’s Complete Endgame Course and, for advanced players, Dvoretsky’s Endgame Manual.

Aside from the phases and variables that occur inside the board, there are also elements to be considered outside of it. Namely, the time control and mental warfare. 

As mentioned previously, the time control for chess in the NCAA is 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment, which will prolong the game to several hours.

This time control would normally put a strain on the patience and mental fortitude of a casual or recreational player, although such a time control is already child's play for the varsity player.

During the Off-season, teams would continuously participate in provincial and major tournaments to toughen up their mental stamina, allowing them to keep focused for longer periods.

Even then, when it comes down to seconds on the clock, a better intuition from either player will allow them to prevail in the time scramble.

And finally, psychological warfare. While not often implemented by all, it is still an important aspect to be prepared for.

Some players would employ intimidation tactics, which may include emphasizing moves, tapping the chess clock slightly harder than usual, standing behind the other player's back, or staring the other side down. 

To sum up, chess players need to consider a large number of ingredients to stand stronger against other contenders. The amount of training and preparation each NCAA varsity would commit to is nothing short of commendable.

Chess, after all, is the mental sport of strategy, tactics, and psychology. It is an art form that can be appreciated by all, even if only understood at the most basic level.