Speed interview with a chess master
A game that connects: millions of people all over the world play chess. Including Swiss champion Fabian Bänziger, who tells us in this brief interview what he finds so fascinating about it.
Fabian Bänziger, how did you get into chess?
I’ve always liked board games. I learned toplaychessasachildduringtheschool holidays, and I was immediately bitten bythebug.
What was it that fascinated you about it?
The different pieces and the combinations you can make with them. Now my fascination is mainly styles of play– whether someone’s a bold or attacking player, for instance. It’s also interesting to put yourself in the shoes of the person across from you,tothink ahead and surprise them. In other words, to play unpredictably yourself.
What’s your training regime like?
I practise for six or seven hours a day, solving various problems, playing against chess software or my coach over Skype. I sometimes also reenact old games, such as from the1980s, and analyse them.
What’s the best way to learn chess?
There are many options available online,such as explanatory videos and websites.The advantage of playing online is that any mistakes you make are shown immediately, so you can quickly improve your game. Lateron, you might feel like taking your chances in a club.
