Mind Master ~ Viswanathan Anand (117 of 2024)

 

Had  Mind Master by Viswanathan Anand with me for quite some time now. With all the news about his students creating history, and making India shine, could not resist myself from making it my next read. The book is  the journey of 'The Lightning Kid' becoming 'The Madras Tiger' . Co-authored with sports journalist Susan Ninan, the book combines personal anecdotes, insights into the world of competitive chess, and life lessons that extend far beyond the 64 squares of the chessboard. The book traces Anand’s journey from his childhood in Chennai, where his love for chess was nurtured, to his rise as a five-time World Chess Champion. Along with it the highlight of the book is:

• Anand’s vivid description of his World Championship matches, particularly against Kramnik, Topalov, and Carlsen.
• His reflections on the psychological warfare in chess, where preparation often extends beyond the board.
• Life lessons that seamlessly intertwine with chess strategies, making the book relevant for professionals, students, and enthusiasts alike.

Anand dedicates his book to his mother by mentioning her at the beginning of the book - For my mother, who told me to always write down my thoughts, good or bad. She said, 'One day you will read them and realize how beautiful they are.' The legend starts his book by mentioning one of his favorite songs - 'Regrets, I've had a few...' by the legendary singer Frank Sinatra.

Regrets, I've had a few

But then again, too few to mention

I did what I had to do

And saw it through without exemption

I planned each charted course

Each careful step along the byway

And more, much more than this

I did it my way

~ Written by Paul Anka

The prologue of the book ends with "Que sera sera, I tell myself, as I sip my tea..."

Anand recounts his early days, from his mother teaching him chess to his meteoric rise in the global arena. His anecdotes about facing legends like Garry Kasparov and Magnus Carlsen offer a fascinating look into the psychological battles of top-level chess

Anand does not shy away from revealing his vulnerability. Yes even World Champions also go through a difficult time as we find Anand mentioning, 'I need to speak to Radek... I can't recall a thing.' So next time you forget a theory or a middle game plan, you are at your wits end, no need to get a cold feet because even the best of the best has also suffered a similar situation. What is the difference maker then? How they come out on top of it despite facing various adversity.

Anand doesn’t shy away from discussing his setbacks, including his loss to Carlsen in 2013. He reveals how he managed self-doubt, learned from failures, and came back stronger—lessons that resonate with anyone striving for success.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Anand’s discussion of how he reinvented his game to stay relevant in a constantly evolving chess landscape. He draws parallels to how adaptability is essential in any field.

Behind Anand’s individual brilliance is a story of teamwork. He highlights the crucial role his seconds (chess assistants), family, and friends played in his career. This underscores the importance of collaboration even in seemingly solitary pursuits.

Anand emphasizes the importance of focus, preparation, and maintaining calm under pressure. His methods for staying mentally sharp—be it through meditation, reading, or simple observation—are practical takeaways for readers.

While Mind Master is insightful, readers looking for a detailed breakdown of chess strategies might find it lacking in technical depth. The book focuses more on Anand’s personal journey and life lessons rather than intricate chess analysis. However, this broadens its appeal beyond chess aficionados to a wider audience.

Anand delves into the psychological aspects of chess, discussing how mental preparation and resilience play a critical role in competitive success. He also explores the intense psychological battles that occur off the board, especially during his high-stakes World Championship matches. Anand examines the emotional dynamics of victory, the importance of humility, and how Anand processed and celebrated his wins. When You Lose, Say Less, he says, but find other avenues to vent out. Anand discusses the evolving role of technology in chess, from the early days of computer-assisted training to the current era where artificial intelligence and engines dominate the scene. Anand highlights the importance of collaboration and the role his support system—family, trainers, and seconds—played in his success.

Mind Master is an inspiring read that goes beyond chess. Viswanathan Anand not only shares the highs and lows of his illustrious career but also offers practical wisdom for overcoming challenges, embracing change, and pursuing excellence. Whether you’re a chess enthusiast or simply someone looking for motivation, this book will leave you enriched.

Viswanathan Anand's Mind Master: Winning Lessons from a Champion’s Life is not just an autobiography; it’s a treasure trove of wisdom from one of the greatest chess minds of our time. 

Whether you are a player, coach, parent, chess enthusiast or even a sports fan, there is something for everyone. Anand discusses all his triumph and tragedy, every little and big obstacle he had to face, how he overcame them, what he did when some of them were surmountable, facing practical challenges and much more. This is a gateway to a journey of a prodigy who conquered the world and firmly planted India's flag all over the chess world. 

Here is the concluding message of the 12 chapters in Mind Master: Winning Lessons from a Champion’s Life by Viswanathan Anand:

1. DITCHING THE LADDER - Of gut heart and a winning idea : As a long term strategy, being predictable is not of much advantage - for your career or business or even for yourself. Once in a while, you've got to take the counter-intuitive path, but not without owning responsibility for the consequences - and certainly not without preparation. In such situations, your attitude should trump the decision itself. When you focus on previously unconsidered solutions to reach your end goal, don't' let your mind wallow in indecision or imagined negative outcomes. Instead, push through with execution. 
2. STICKY NOTES - Madras, Manila, Madrid and everything in between - Once you shut out the clamour of the result and simply persevere, success is bound to be yours. Keep making notes. 
3. THE ART OF REMEMBERING - Hooks, Hacks and Serendipity. - Nothing you do however unconnected it is to your livelihood or your life's goal, goes waste. You never know when an idea that you've read about or heard of, or an activity you've dabbled in, will pay off. It's wise, then, to keep your interest and your learning as varied and broad as you can. 
4. WIN SOME, LOSE SOME - Emotions and the power of objectivity - No matter what you may be feeling emotionally being inscrutable at the board is a vital skill. Organise your thoughts, dont make a move when your are in turmoil. 
5. GATHERING THE TROOPS - How to make preparations count and tactics work. That is the key.  Strategy without tool is bound to fall. 
6. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - The making of a champion. - Doing everything admirable well doesn't matter, when you cannot finish the job. Be flexible, unpredictable and stay unaffected by psychological duress. 
7. THE GIFT AND THE GRIT - Making Talent work hard. Talent is like a plant, you need it to water with hard work, for it to grow into a tree. You also need luck for things to come together at the right time. 
8. MINING THE MIND AND MACHINES - Decision-Making, Data and a New Giant on the Block. Be adaptable. Circumstances change and you cant be prepared for everything. Assess the resources at your disposal, weight what is feasible to what is risky. 
9. BONN AGAIN - Finding Beauty in Risk -  A Volcanic Ash Cloud, a Road Trip and a Title - Don't relax when you have to be focused, or celebrate too soon. Having a lead is different from finishing. Be mindful, find calm and keep yourself grounded. Don't be too busy visualising the future success. In interview he said, actually playing is more important than analysing past or other's games. 
10. THE ADVERSITY ADVANTAGE - Resilience is the only answer to adversity. When tough situations arise - and they sometimes arrive like a hailstorm - accept it, tackle it with practicality. Look deep for the resources that will pull you through. 
11. TWO CITIES, ONE STATE - Battling Learned Helplessness -  Life does not raise red flags unprompted. Look for the cues - they will ask you to identify and work on your weaknesses, disallow passivity in your attitude, thought and preparation. It will help pave path to recovery. Success can often lull you into believing in what is non-existent. 
12. STAYING ALIVE - On Today's wins and Tomorrow's Horizons. - Keep learning, new things and fresh ways. For growth and success, unlearning is necessary. 

Each chapter offers a mix of personal anecdotes, chess insights, and life lessons, making the book both an engaging memoir and a guide to achieving success in any field.