Deep understanding key differentiator in modern chess: Viswanathan Anand

Five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand on Thursday said that deep understanding , rather than the sheer volume of computer-driven data , has become the defining factor separating chess players in the modern era.

Speaking at the inaugural session of a three-day chess workshop organised by the Velammal Education Trust , Anand noted that players today are often overwhelmed by information generated through engines and databases. “The more that is available for you to know, the less you can actually know. If every day you are exposed to 20 or 30 new conclusions , how do you make sense of it?” he asked, adding that deep understanding is now the only true differentiator in competitive chess.

Drawing parallels with his own adaptation to computer-assisted preparation many years ago, the Grandmaster stressed that while being open to new ideas is essential, progress ultimately comes from understanding finer details. He also clarified that chess mastery is built on pattern recognition rather than rote memorisation.

Having played nearly 6,000 to 7,000 competitive games , Anand explained that the brain subconsciously absorbs patterns from games played by others. “Our brain puts together far more patterns than we are able to explain,” he said, adding that new ideas often surface weeks after seeing a game, without players realising they are subconsciously borrowing from earlier experiences.

Comparing chess to learning a language, Anand said theory alone is insufficient. “You cannot learn a language only from dictionaries; you learn it by speaking it. Theory is just the material ingredient—the cooking begins when the game starts,” he remarked.

Anand also welcomed efforts to popularise chess beyond traditional centres. Applauding the vision to replicate Chennai’s success in cities such as Madurai, Salem and Coimbatore, he said expanding access would help nurture the next generation of players.

The event also marked the launch of Anand’s book Lightning Kid , published in association with the Velammal Education Trust. The Trust, a leading educational institution in Tamil Nadu, is widely recognised for its strong emphasis on chess training and has produced several top Indian players, contributing significantly to the country’s growing stature in the sport.

The masterclass is being held from February 12 to 14. Notably, several Indian chess stars, including International Masters Praggnanandhaa R (world rank 4), Vaishali R (rank 9), Gukesh Dommaraju (rank 9), Varshini S and Murali Karthikeyan (both ranked 64), are alumni of Velammal institutions.