The Regency Chess Co USA

The story behind the triple crown in 1996 Winning the 1996 Women’s World Championship was one of the special highlights of my career. This title gave me the triple crown in chess (Rapid, Blitz and Classical Time Control). This victory quieted all the doubters who said the Polgar sisters could not play against women, only against men. Shockingly, some actually believed in this nonsense, and FIDE severely punished me multiple times for this ridiculous theory (but that is a story for another day). The final score was a lopsided 8½- 4½. It seemed to be an easy victory. But such was not the case. I won the match despite facing many serious personal problems that I do not usually talk about. After two games, the score was 1½-½ for my formidable opponent. I opened the third game, for the first time in serious competition, with 1. e4!? This was a shock for my opponent. I obtained a slight advantage but since I was in time pressure, I decided to offer a draw to my opponent, and she accepted. My main strategy was to conserve energy and to recuperate for a long 16-game match. This was when so many things started to go wrong. I had a trusted team that had been with me a long time: my Mother, my sister Judit and my trainer GM Lev Psakhis. These are some of the people I trust and who have known me best in my career. It was definitely not the time to distract me, or interfere with my comfort zone. Unfortunately, my ex-husband inexplicably decided to invite his parents from Israel to the match to experience the big occasion. I did not want to have any outside distractions, especially from the in-laws. I repeatedly and vehemently objected but it did not help. He did not care, and they arrived at the worst possible time. To make matters worse, upon arriving back from dinner following the third game, I received news that Mr. Rentero, the match organizer, had fined both my opponent and me $25,000 each for a relatively quick draw in game 3. His decision was absolutely illegal, and the tone of his letter was rude and obnoxious. It severely affected me both emotionally and psychologically. I am sure it also affected my opponent as well. The Chinese delegation was rightfully furious and ready to pack up and leave. Both sides were very upset and insulted. We did not break any FIDE or match rule. But he did it because he felt like it. After consulting with my trainer, my sister Judit, and my parents, I decided to try to put aside the problem with Mr. Rentero and the in-law situation and played on. At the time, I felt that my decision was right. I have never believed in dropping out of any tournament. On the contrary, I have always strongly believed in completing what I started. But there was no guarantee that I could overcome my emotions. Chess players react differently when dealing with severe pressure and crises. I felt I got stronger and more focused. I did not just play for a world title. I played to show my gratitude for everyone who believed in me, made sacrifices for me, and helped me during my career. I played to honor the 300+ members of my extended family who were murdered during the Holocaust. I played to prove to all the people who stood in my way, blocked me, interfered with my success, and tried to derail my dreams, that they cannot stop me! I went on to score 4½ points in the next 5 games. The rest is history. @FIDE_chess @ECUonline – at Budapest, Hungary

My advice to young players - You CAN do it! When I was a young player, while others slept, I trained. While others went to the movies, I trained. While others went on vacations, I trained. While others hung out with friends, I trained. While others went dancing, I trained…. Not only I trained on the chess board, I did everything possible to improve on my physical fitness. I was not blessed with top-notch physical ability. Therefore, I had to work extra hard. I never smoked, drank alcohol, or took any drugs. I tried to eat healthy and diligently exercise. Results? Became the No. 1 ranked woman player in the world at age 15 at maintained top 3 ranking for around 25 years. 1st woman to earn the grandmaster title by norms and rating. 1st player to win the Chess Triple-Crown (World Rapid, Blitz, and Classical Championships). 12 Olympiad medals with 5 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze, and a 56 consecutive game scoring streak without a single loss, etc. Did I have “natural” talent in chess? Maybe some. But I made up for my many deficiencies with my world class working habit, focus, discipline, and mental toughness. I repeated the same process as a coach with the same success. When I talked about this, some asked if it was a torture for me to fully commit myself to chess, to always give 110%, first as a player, to reach the ultimate pinnacle of my sport, then as a coach, and then for my business. The answer is absolutely no. It is never a torture or punishment for me to follow my dreams, and to dedicate my life to something I am so passionate about. Chess is not a job for me. It never was and will never be. It is something I love. Because both my parents were educators, I actually love chess researching, teaching, and coaching even more than playing. I was lucky enough to find my passion at a young age, 4. I was very good at both chess and mathematics, way beyond my years. My father did not choose chess for me, unlike what some incorrectly assumed. He gave me a choice. I could have picked chess or mathematics to pursue seriously. I loved math. Maybe I could have been Pythagoras, John von Neumann, or Blaise Pascal… But I did not have the same passion for mathematics as chess. So at the end, I chose chess and the rest is history with the Polgar family chess legacy. It is very important to find something you are passionate about, something you look forward to each day when you wake up. I was lucky to find chess. @FIDE_chess @ECUonline @WOMChess – at Sitges, Spain