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Business Strategy with Hirav Shah MARCH 21, 2025 | The Indian Eye 34

Every Entrepreneur Should Play Chess:

A Game of Strategy, Mindset, and Success

Hirav Shah responsibilities, from managing em-
ployees to handling finances.
I n the dynamic world of business, • Chess, as a game of deep concentra-
tion and discipline, can help entre-
constantly
entrepreneurs
are
faced with challenges that test
preneurs sharpen their focus.
their ability to think strategically, • The game requires players to be
make swift decisions, and adapt to ev- fully engaged, analyzing each move
er-changing environments. Whether and considering various possibilities.
you’re a startup founder or a seasoned • Similarly, entrepreneurs need to
business leader, chess has the poten- maintain focus in their work, elimi-
tial to sharpen your thinking, improve nating distractions and staying disci-
decision-making, and prepare you for plined to meet their objectives.
the unpredictable world of business. • Through regular chess practice, en-
The Strategic Parallels Between trepreneurs can cultivate the men-
tal discipline necessary for staying
Chess and Business In both chess and business, it’s crucial to recognize that every decision counts, and even a on top of business priorities and
• At its core, chess is a game of strate- small mistake can lead to significant consequences (Representative/File photo) pushing through challenges without
gy, requiring players to think multi- losing focus.
ple steps ahead and anticipate their several moves ahead, predicting the certainty, failure, or setbacks. Applying Chess Principles to
opponent’s moves. Entrepreneurs opponent’s strategy while planning • Similarly, in chess, losing a key piece
face similar situations in their day- their own. or being outplayed can evoke frus- Business Growth
to-day operations. • Entrepreneurs must adopt a similar tration or disappointment. • Chess is not just about playing the
• In chess: Opening Moves represent mindset, thinking beyond the imme- • However, successful chess players game, but about continuously im-
how an entrepreneur sets the foun- diate success and considering how learn to control their emotions, proving your skills through practice
dation for their business, whether today’s actions will affect their busi- adapting their strategy and press- and study.
it’s launching a product or entering ness in the months and years to come. ing forward, even when the game • Entrepreneurs can take this same
a new market. • Chess sharpens this forward-think- doesn’t go their way. approach to business growth.
• Middle Game is the operational ing ability, fostering a mindset that • Entrepreneurs can benefit from this • Just as a chess player studies the
phase, where resource allocation, values long-term vision over short- resilience. Business is often unpre- games of masters and learns from
partnerships, and strategic shifts term gains. dictable, and not every venture will past mistakes, entrepreneurs should
come into play. Problem-Solving Under Pressure go according to plan. continually learn from market
• Endgame signifies the final stretch, • Every entrepreneur knows that the • By playing chess, entrepreneurs can trends, competitors, and their own
which could be scaling the business, journey to success is fraught with develop emotional resilience, learn- experiences to refine their business
achieving sustainability, or even challenges. Whether it’s dealing ing to accept losses and adapt to strategies.
making an exit. new situations without losing sight • Entrepreneurs who play chess are
• In both chess and business, it’s cru- with market competition, economic of their long-term goals. likely to develop a mindset of con-
downturns, or internal issues, entre-
cial to recognize that every decision preneurs must learn how to solve The Importance of Strategic tinuous learning and improvement,
counts, and even a small mistake problems under pressure. which is essential for staying com-
can lead to significant consequenc- • Chess offers the perfect training Sacrifice petitive in the fast-paced business
es down the road. Playing chess can ground for this, as players are often • One of the most valuable lessons environment.
teach entrepreneurs to weigh risks put in difficult positions where they from chess is the concept of strate- Conclusion: Why Every
and rewards, helping them avoid pit- must come up with creative solu- gic sacrifice. In order to win, players
falls while maximizing opportunities. tions to avoid losing. must often sacrifice a piece to gain Entrepreneur Should Play Chess
The Power of Patience &Foresight • In chess, there are count- a better position later in the game. • Entrepreneurship is a game of strat-
• Chess teaches patience, a virtue that less tactics and strategies • Similarly, entrepreneurs must rec- egy, patience, and resilience — all
qualities that are developed through
ognize that sometimes sacrifices
every entrepreneur should master. to get out of a tough spot. are necessary to achieve long-term chess. The lessons learned on the
Often, in both chess and business, • This parallels the business world, success. chessboard directly translate to the
success doesn’t come from making where innovation and adaptability • This could mean giving up short- challenges entrepreneurs face in
fast decisions but from making the are key to overcoming obstacles. term revenue for long-term growth building and scaling their business-
right decisions at the right time. • By playing chess, entrepreneurs can
• Entrepreneurs who rush into deci- develop their problem-solving skills, or investing heavily in new technolo- es. Chess teaches entrepreneurs
how to think ahead, remain calm
gies that won’t pay off immediately.
sions without carefully considering learning how to stay calm under • Chess teaches entrepreneurs to under pressure, make strategic sac-
the outcomes may miss opportuni- pressure and think critically in high- view sacrifice not as a loss, but as a rifices, and, most importantly, how
ties or create avoidable problems. stakes situations.
step toward a greater goal.
• Chess forces players to slow down, Emotional Resilience and • It helps them develop the ability to continually grow and improve.
carefully analyze their position, and to evaluate what is worth giving up
make calculated moves — a skill di- Adaptability now to secure a stronger future. The writer is a well known Business
rectly applicable to business. • One of the hardest aspects of entre- Turnaround Specialist, Astro Strategist,
• Additionally, chess demands fore- preneurship is managing emotions Enhancing Focus and Discipline and BestSelling Author.
sight. A good chess player is always — particularly during periods of un- • Entrepreneurs often juggle multiple [email protected]

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