It may sound surprising at first.

We’ve all heard about hints and tips to get better in chess, but almost nobody talks about the value of patience.

But think about it for a minute:

The obvious advantage of being patient during a chess game is that you minimize your blunders.

When you make moves thoughtfully and after having examined the position carefully, you’re much less likely to miss a mate in one or a tactical combination.

It is no coincidence that the biggest amount of mistakes happen in blitz games where players are essentially forced to play quickly.

But being patient makes also a big difference in rated games.

Amongst players with equal skill and talent, it’s the behavior and character that determines the outcome of their individual battle.

This is why being impatient on the board can easily ruin a superior position.

Especially when you play against talented children, patience may just be your secret Kryptonite that will help you beat these super-chesskids who are usually!

Patience is a vastly underrated component of every good player.

Having the ability to think for long hours and try to improve your position on the board little by little is no easy task.

You try to find holes in your opponent’s defense.

You try to provoke weaknesses in your opponent’s position.

You move your pieces around opting for the best possible coordination.

And you make the decisive move forward only when your position allows it.

This is no easy task.

Patient players take advantage of the fact that they play against humans and employ the following psychological tricks:

1) Keeping the tension

Weak or impatient players do not like unresolved situations on the board. They rush to exchange pieces or trade pawns when they have the chance. They cannot withstand the internal pressure of having ‘unfinished business’ during the game

2) Delaying playing ‘obvious’ and strong moves

Sometimes, there are games when one player has a strong move at his disposal that is obvious to his opponent. But he doesn’t play this move but prefers to improve his position instead. This can cause anxiety to his opponent who feels helpless since he is not the one dictating the game.

So, how can you become a more patient chess player?

Like mentioned above, patience is a character trait.

You can’t be impatient in your everyday life and then transform into a Buddha once you sit down to play chess.

You need first to address the issues that cause you stress and make you rush your decisions.

Meditation can also help a lot in that respect.

I hope you’re now convinced about the value of patience over the chessboard.

Like Bent Larsen said: ‘Lack of patience is probably the most common reason for losing a game, or drawing games that should have been won.’