It’s no secret that people have different personalities. People talk differently, rejoice differently, be sad differently, learn differently, react differently to difficulties. The game of chess is most often a man-to-man game. In addition to thinking through combinations and strategies, it’s also important to understand what kind of opponent is sitting across from you, and how exactly you can interact with him with maximum efficiency for the game. In addition, sometimes you also need to be clearly aware of your psychological peculiarities in order to act correctly and effectively in any chess game.

Human beings are incredibly complex – in the combination of skills and experience is born uniqueness of each. However, in spite of this, psychologists distinguish several types of behavior peculiar to this or that chess player. This division is undoubtedly a simplification, but it is possible to understand the general features of sportsmen’s behavior based on it.

The first type of chess player is an athlete with serious emotional stamina. Such players, although they may get a little upset after a defeat, their overall emotional background will remain unwavering. They can play game after game, staying in the same mood no matter what. Such chess players include E. Lasker, Schlechter, and others.

Such chess players are usually very resilient in the chess game, rarely break down. However, often their emotions and feelings remain “behind the scenes” of general calm and, at one point, they can break free in some other form, not always pleasant. If the first type is like you or your child, in order to act effectively and avoid emotional breakdowns, it is important to notice all feelings and emotions, and not be afraid to live through them and work through them in time.

The second type is characterized by extreme vulnerability. Athletes who belong to this category are characterized by a very emotional attitude towards losses, we can say about them that every defeat hits them right in the heart. They get very upset and can’t tune in to the next game. Being in a losing position, even if the game is still going on and its outcome is not known, they lose the initiative, become lethargic, fearful. Often after one loss, such players are followed by a succession of defeats – one after another gross errors come out, yawning begins. Rubinstein, for example, belongs to the first type of chess player. He was very upset by defeats, and could not bring himself up to speed again and tune in for the next game.

If the features described above are characteristic of you or your child, in order to cope most effectively with difficulties encountered, it is important to be able to bring oneself into tune. Techniques of abdominal breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and others can help with this at critical moments.

For other chess players, on the contrary, it is typical to react to difficulties through activation and even aggression. “The best defense is an offense” is their motto in life. Thus, when defeated, chess players of the third type become strongly activated, straining all resources, they become much more proactive, straining their will and trying to play harder and stronger.

This style undoubtedly often leads to great success. For example, Alekhine won more than one game in this way – on heat and in a state of activation.

However, it should be remembered that at times in the mood for courage you may “play too hard” and lose criticality with regard to the game and your own conduct. Therefore, for those to whom such reactions and behavior are peculiar, it would be very good and useful to practice mindfulness techniques and always remember the meaning of one’s actions.