In any match, there are few critical moments where there's no second best decision. The rest of the moves are intuitive. Viswanathan Anand criticaldecisionintuitive Change image and share on social
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 badbarrierchess share on social
I like to keep myself physically and mentally fit before any important match. I usually take a short nap just before the game and do not practice immediately before the tournament. Viswanathan Anand fitgameimmediately Change image and share on social
I was reasonably interested in mathematics in school. Typically what happens is... when you start playing chess, it takes up a lot of your attention. But about 10 years ago, I found that the Internet is very good to start learning about a lot of subjects. Viswanathan Anand agoattentionchess share on social
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 avoidboardcare share on social
My job is to play chess, the game that I love. I achieve what I can in chess. That is what I focus on. Basically, I am always focused on playing the game, and this is important to me. Viswanathan Anand achievebasicallychess Change image and share on social
The Internet gives you access to a lot of material, and it's fun to sit and read. I go to something like Wikipedia and look at different topics... I find the subject fascinating. I like to read about concepts and mathematicians. Viswanathan Anand accessconceptfascinate share on social
Each match I approach like a new one. The work is so immense that you don't have time to sit and ponder. Viswanathan Anand approachimmensematch Change image and share on social
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 aspectcallcompetition share on social
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 casechesschild share on social