Chess Not Checkers

Screenshot, "Chess Tactics" application

Sport is sacrifice.

Chess asks us to address the consequences of our actions, both offensively and defensively. Former World Champion Garry Kasparov says that it's about knowing what do when there's something to do and what not to do when there's nothing to do.

How is that like volleyball? Sometimes you can't attack a ball with a smash and have to keep it in play. Sometimes a "hard" serve carries too much risk. But when opportunities arise, aggressive and consistent play creates advantage. 

Practicing hard to improve teammates when you won't always get more playing time is a sacrifice that great teammates make. Sometimes players sacrifice more "shots" to elevate teammates. 

In chess, you have to consider your position, both offensive and defense, the opponent's position, and opportunities to gain material or win outright. 

1) White to play. 

2) White's queen is under attack

3) Black also threatens checkmate by attacking the bishop pawn with the queen, forcing the king to the corner, which creates mate by moving the queen to the back rank

4) White has no move to gain material but has something better. White can attack the king on the rook rank, but sacrifices the queen as the knight captures it. Then, the knight attacks the king with checkmate as the bishop controls the white square adjacent, leaving the king no escape. 

Sometimes in sport and in life, you win through sacrifice not self-indulgent actions.