If you have a strong opponent, a competition is stimulating. I am generally most open to ideas when I have had a bad result. In chess, too, players specialise. This specialty then becomes an entry barrier. Viswanathan Anand badbarrierchess share on social
I was reasonably interested in mathematics in school. Typically what happens is... when you start playing chess, it takes up a lot of your attention. But about 10 years ago, I found that the Internet is very good to start learning about a lot of subjects. Viswanathan Anand agoattentionchess share on social
In any match, there are few critical moments where there's no second best decision. The rest of the moves are intuitive. Viswanathan Anand criticaldecisionintuitive Change image and share on social
You bring to chess facets of your personality and what you are. I have interests other than chess, like music and world and current affairs. I also have many friends around the world with whom I like to keep in touch. Viswanathan Anand affairbringchess share on social
I like to keep myself physically and mentally fit before any important match. I usually take a short nap just before the game and do not practice immediately before the tournament. Viswanathan Anand fitgameimmediately Change image and share on social
My job is to play chess, the game that I love. I achieve what I can in chess. That is what I focus on. Basically, I am always focused on playing the game, and this is important to me. Viswanathan Anand achievebasicallychess Change image and share on social
Before a game, I avoid having a heavy meal so that I don't feel sleepy at the board. You eat to be healthy, and that generally takes care of everything. Also, you can't be too finicky, since at tournaments you tend to eat at restaurants here and there. But, as long as you're eating sensibly, it's all good. Viswanathan Anand avoidboardcare share on social
I honestly don't remember when and why I started calling my mom 'Momsi'. These are family things; it starts for some reason. It's not that I just call her Momsi; I call her other things as well! Viswanathan Anand callfamilyhonestly Change image and share on social
Sometimes, if you are nervous, it could actually turn out to be a manifestation of your exhaustion. The point is that any setback is bad, but if you see it from a perspective, you'll recover. Viswanathan Anand badexhaustionmanifestation Change image and share on social
When you play with the best in the world, it is important that you not lose focus. You must be fully focused. Even a minor error could result in a massive defeat. Viswanathan Anand defeaterrorfocus Change image and share on social