In the knockout tournaments, it's futile to prepare for a grand finale. You may have worked out many strategies for the final. But you may lose in the first round itself. Viswanathan Anand finalfinalefutile Change image and share on social
We want more women players to take up chess. There are few participants at the national level and hope it will grow. Viswanathan Anand chessgrowhope Change image and 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
Sometimes an opponent stops breathing, and you realise something drastic has happened and they are trying not to let on. Or they go quiet, or they get fidgety. After a while you pick these things up and become more alert to them. Viswanathan Anand alertbreathedrastic share on social
You bring to chess facets of your personality and what you are. I have interests other than chess, like music and world and current affairs. I also have many friends around the world with whom I like to keep in touch. Viswanathan Anand affairbringchess 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
For me, each game is a new challenge, which has to be dealt with rationally and systematically. At that time, every other thought fades into oblivion. Viswanathan Anand challengedealfade Change image and 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
Sometimes, if you are nervous, it could actually turn out to be a manifestation of your exhaustion. The point is that any setback is bad, but if you see it from a perspective, you'll recover. Viswanathan Anand badexhaustionmanifestation Change image and 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