How chess helped me understand grief

In a personal essay published on December 20, 2025, Vidya Krishnan reflects on how chess helped her understand grief, drawing parallels between the game and life's challenges. The author recounts watching a chess match in Goa between Indian grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi and his Chinese counterpart Wei Yi. Krishnan recalls her childhood introduction to chess by her uncle, Periappa, who taught her the game. She remembers her initial frustration with losing and the valuable lesson he imparted: that chess, like life, offers learning experiences regardless of the outcome. Although she briefly pursued chess, winning a local tournament, she eventually drifted away from the game and her uncle.

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