Rethinking the Chess Analogy

Chess has broad use. "Control the middle of the board" and "avoid tactical errors" and "consider options with common alignments."

First, an easy puzzle from the "Chess Tactics" app, White to play.

This basketball piece from 2015 informs common sport 'situations'. It's a flawed analogy because in chess, each player begins with the same pieces and position. Volleyball matches seldom are evenly arranged. 

How might it apply for MVB? 

1. Every piece moves differently and has differing value. A queen or castle plus king can enforce checkmate while other individual pieces cannot.

2. Experienced players "chunk" information. They see clusters of pieces and learn how to attack them. When the outside hitter sees the double block coming, they assemble mental options - beat the blockers, wipe off the outside blocker, tip, or cut shot across and short. 

3. Sacrifice. Sometimes a chess player sacrifices a piece to improve their position. Every front row hitter won't get the same number of attacks, nor should they. 

4. Grandmaster Garry Kasparov teaches players to know what to do when there's nothing to do and to "attack when there's something to do."

5. Avoid unforced errors. Unforced errors hurt chances of winning in every sport. 

6. Control the center of the field/court/board. Melrose has traditionally had dominant middles although the 'balance of power' has shifted outside in more recent years. In 2002, Melrose lost in the State Semis as Marlboro had an exceptional libero who controlled the match. 

7. "Utilize strengths, attack weaknesses." - Sun Tzu   Coaches and teams decide whom and where to attack. 

White has multiple pieces attacking the d5 pawn in the center of the board. Black has an equal number of defenders. Black to move. Can Black strengthen its defense while simultaneously attacking? (answer at end)

8. Become a queen. The most limited pieces on the board, pawns, can become any piece, including a queen, with an advance to the back row. Grow your game and become a queen. 

Lagniappe. Training your life. 

Chess answer: Knight to E5 defends the pawn and attacks the white queen and castle. White will not sacrifice the queen.