Self-confidence is very important. If you don’t think you can win, you will take cowardly decisions in the crucial moments, out of sheer respect for your opponent. —
Norwegian grandmaster and former world chess champion Magnus Carlsen
A popular Guyanese sportscaster used to say, when radio was king, “winning is everything”. Afterward, an overseas commentator refined the statement by insisting “winning is the only thing”. Reaching the top in chess is a herculean task, but we possess the talent, and the will, to do so. It takes dedication and concentration.