What does a young professional chess player with quick skills on the board do to unwind after a mentally demanding game of chess?
“I love playing ping-pong,” says the enthusiastic Daniel Dardha, Belgium’s youngest-ever chess grandmaster.
As the Global Chess League (GCL) gears up for its second season, Dardha, a three-time Belgian Chess Champion, expressed his excitement to The Bridge about the prospect of competing alongside Magnus Carlsen, as part of the Alpine SG Pipers franchise.
“It is a very exciting moment for me. Rubbing shoulders with Magnus is something extraordinary, and it is definitely an incentive for me to work harder and improve my game ahead of the tournament.”
Firm family foundations
Daniel grew up surrounded by chess and often watched his father and grandfather play the game. Their conversation around chess positions got him interested in the game.
“I didn’t want to be left out. That’s how I got into chess,” he recalls.
“Eventually, I overtook my grandfather, and that motivated me to surpass my father as well, fuelling my passion for the sport.”
Reflecting on his achievements, Daniel shares that his family, particularly his father and grandfather, couldn’t have been happier.
“They were very proud of me. I remember the first time I became a Belgian champion at only 13 years of age. They were happier to see me follow this great path,” he smiles.
He credits his father’s encouragement for helping shape his chess journey.
“My father was a great inspiration. He pushed me very far, and eventually, I grew to love the game more each day.”
Balancing act
Chess players approach training in various ways—some rely on engines, which are programs that suggest best moves, while others prefer a more old-school approach, solving puzzles before matches or working closely with a coach.
Daniel Dardha, however, incorporates a mix of these strategies into his routine.
“I generally work with the engine every day to improve my opening game, and I never skip tactics practice,” he says, also noting that he isn’t training with a coach to avoid overloading himself.
“Puzzles are a daily staple for me. I often do puzzle rushes on popular portals. Lately, I haven’t been working with a coach, mostly due to my busy playing schedule. Instead, I attend training camps and often work on my own or with a couple of friends.”
Daniel, who has won many competitions in Blitz, considers it his favorite format due to its fast-paced nature, which he feels reflects his personality.
“I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so I prefer Blitz over classical any day. Many people even say I walk fast and tend to do things quickly,” he remarks with a smile.
Daniel admires certain qualities in Hikaru Nakamura.
“If I had to borrow a skill, it would probably be Hikaru’s ability to defend and resist tough positions. For me, it is challenging since I often collapse in many positions. If I could improve in that area, I would win many more games,” he admits.
Daniel who will play for Alpine SG Pipers alongside players like Magnus and Praggnanandhaa feels he ought to do his best.
“I’m playing with all these legends who have proved themselves over the years. So, I’m a bit of a newbie in the group, and I just have to do my best and prove myself as much as I can,” he says confidently.
Catalyst for chess popularity
With the introduction of the franchise league format of GCL in chess, Daniel believes it plays a crucial role in popularizing the sport and providing invaluable opportunities for younger players.
“As a young player myself, I am very thankful to play alongside all these experienced players. It’s a great learning experience and helps in the overall growth of chess,” he reflects.
Daniel believes chess gained visibility after the COVID boom, thanks to online platforms and the popular series The Queen’s Gambit.
He reflects on the chess scene in his home country, especially in comparison to India’s growing enthusiasm for the game, where young fans easily recognize players like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa.
“I don’t get stopped as much as Gukash or Pragg for pictures,” he smiles.
That said, Daniel is happy when it does occasionally happen to him, giving rise to a feeling that he could well be having a positive influence on young people in Belgium and aiding its growth in the country.