Michael Jordan: Lessons for Chess
Michael Jordan is perhaps one of the world’s most recognized sports names even long after he has retired. He has been viewed as the best competitive basketball player ever to play the game. Of course arguments can be made for Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Elgin Baylor, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, but there is one player that seems to be on everyone’s top five list… Michael Jordan.
Recently Ahmad Rashad sat down with his longtime friend and conducted a 45-minute interview about his career, team chemistry, rivaliries, personal challenges, retirements and even the “Dream Team”.
One thing that sticks out in the interview is Jordan’s candor and his credibility. Certainly winning six NBA championships in six attempts helps one’s credibility, but to reveal some of the inner workings of the mind in such a great career can be applied to so many different scenarios.
Michael Jordan hit this game-winner to win his sixth championship in six tries. In his interview, he makes very surprising admissions about his second retirement after this epic storybook ending.
Of course chessplayers only have themselves to rely on, but FM Warren Elliott posted this video on a Jamaican Facebook page and said, “You could learn a lot from that guy.” Anyone at the top of his field must have a wealth of knowledge. If we look at the intensity of Garry Kasparov, Serena Williams or Usain Bolt, we will see talent and execution meet opportunity… making a champion.
As Mark Bowen’s popular article on lateral thinking, many of these lessons are transferable and applicable to other sports. In the following interview, we can take away many valuable nuggets of wisdom of determination, competitiveness and discipline.
All of these attributes champions possess. If there is anyone who can tell us about championship, it is Jordan. This interview is 46 minutes and shows authentic footage and behind-the-scenes dynamics of a great competitor. Take a listen to this exclusive interview.
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As great as Michael was he must share credit with the league who needed to replace and renew the era of Magic, Bird, and Dr. J. In addition, credit must also be shared with the Zen master “Phil” who elevated a good basketball player from “jock” to a “social icon” and an average basketball team to a cohesive dominant force. It is kind of sad that Michael was so dominant that the NBA is now saying his career outshines the present day players. His presence and accolades are kept in the back room. Oops! We are taking chess right! Should we compare Carlsen to Michael as a dominant force? I think not since it appears not to matter. Like basketball and almost any other game anyone can play and enjoy but it takes refined skills to excel. Similar to other successful goal in life to be great requires personal drives, determination and intensity.
Jordan was unbelievable! And in this interview he shared some real practical ideas on what it takes to reach the peak level of any competitive sports. Good coach, maintaining psychological edge, discipline, preparation and resolve. Valuable stuff!
Every game will be overflowing with anxiety. Anand has to refute that he’s past his best years, while Magnus has to prove to the chess world that the time has come for a change of guard. Which is a heavier burden to overcome? The answer may have a lot to do with who will triumph in this match.
I agree Daaim, in the anxiety and experience area, Anand has a huge advantage. Magnus will have to take him into unfamiliar territory and hope that he steps on a few traps along the way. Otherwise, an early loss or two could quickly disrupt Carlsen’s state of mind and throw him into a bad jam.
Let us not forget that Carlsen has youth on his side. If he loses the first game it should only motivate him. After all he does think he is the best player in the world. I do wonder how much Carlsen’s lack of maturity (girlfriend(s), personal relationships, independence, etc.) may affect him. If Anand loses the first game, he may take it a little harder and may not be able to fight back since he has been on top so long and as they say, “you can’t beat father time”. One thing is sure this will be a classic.
I am not too confident that we can label any chess player as THE BEST in the world. I think, it is adequate to tag a great player as ONE OF THE BEST. It’s just too difficult to measure the countless talent that are there and grade one as THE BEST ABOVE all.
I agree with you , Guy. When Philidor, Lasker and Alekhine and many others of the past were in their prime there were no computers and they took the game to new heights. Can you imagine what they would have been like if they had Rybka and Houdini back in those days ?
The G.O.A.T.!!!
“I’m definitely the first number one in the world since Fischer, and probably at last since Kasparov, who probably has the most potential to dominate for the foreseeable future.” ~Magnus Carlsen –
That my friends takes strong guts or a serious lack of maturity! Now he has to prove it!! We will see.
Cleveland, It is an incredible assertion of self-confidence. In any case, if it turns out that it’s a very close match, many fans will probably give that quote a second thought. On the other hand, if he trounces Anand, he will have convinced many fans that he may have made a legitimate declaration.