Chess players often quit due to the overwhelming pressure of competition. The death of Ziaur Rahman, along with the recent struggles of Ding Liren really highlights just how mentally demanding it is to play at the highest level.
There are many reasons why people quit this strategy game. It could be because of time commitment, financial commitment (travelling), but the main reason cited by chess players is that they feel too much pressure. Indeed, tournaments can bring a lot of stress as players try to perform and show great results. The fear of disappointing their parents or friends is something chess players have to deal with.
The sad story of Ziaur Rahman, who collapsed during a game and passed away from a stroke, really shows how much pressure chess players face in competition.
Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana once described a big stress moment during a game when his heart rate peaked at 170 beats per minute: “I could feel my heart beating at some point, so I figured that it was pretty high. That’s usually a sign that it’s getting up.”
That is why players experience what is commonly called rage quitting: frustration from a losing streak that leads people to quit precipitously. Chess is often a rollercoaster, feeling really confident after wins and feeling devastated after losses. Over time, it leads players to step away from the game entirely.
Right now, the 2024 World Chess Championship (WCC) is happening, and the title defender, Ding Liren, doesn’t seem to be in top form. Indeed, after winning the 2023 World Chess Championship against Nepomniachtchi, Ding Liren’s form in the following months concerned chess fans. Ding had not won a single classical game in a long time, which had overwhelmed him. Considering that, chess fans started hating on him on social media because of his mediocre performance. Added to the pressure he was already feeling, it probably crushed him.
Though, since the WCC started, it seems like he overcame the pressure because he has won the first game with the black pieces against Gukesh Dommaraju.
Ding’s reaction after winning the game: “Well, of course I feel very good. I haven’t won a single classical game for a really long time, and today I managed to do that.”
The tension chess prodigies face can be overwhelming, affecting not only their performance but also their well-being. While we express admiration for the success of prodigies like Ding Liren and Fabiano Caruana, we must also be conscious of the immense pressure they endure. It is very important that we support these players on their competitive sides but also on their psychological and emotional challenges.
WCC Score: 6 – 6
