In chess, you should be as cool as a cucumber.

In the pursuit of mastery, whether in the grand arenas of battle or the quiet confines of a chessboard, there is one truth that transcends all: the greatest minds are those that remain calm and collected, even in the face of immense pressure. Yuliya Snigir’s words, "In chess, you should be as cool as a cucumber," speak to the timeless wisdom that in the game of life, as in the game of chess, it is not the frenzied or the hasty who succeed, but those who remain composed and strategic. Her words remind us that the path to victory is paved not with impulsive moves, but with deliberate action and a mind that remains clear amid the chaos of the world.

The ancient warriors understood this truth deeply. In the great epic tales of old, such as Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, the greatest heroes were not defined by their strength alone, but by their ability to think and act with calmness even in the face of battle. Achilles, though known for his fierce temper, ultimately became a legend because of his strategic mind, his ability to plan, and his moments of calm reflection during battle. Odysseus, too, exemplified the power of patience and calmness, for it was not brute force but wisdom and foresight that allowed him to navigate the dangers of the sea and return home. In this way, Snigir’s call to remain as cool as a cucumber in chess is not just a lesson for the game but a reflection of the ancient wisdom that victory often belongs to those who possess not just strength, but mental mastery.

Similarly, consider the story of Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese strategist whose Art of War has influenced leaders and warriors for centuries. In his teachings, Sun Tzu emphasized the importance of remaining calm and detached from the emotions of battle, advising that the greatest generals were those who could remain steady in the face of overwhelming odds. To act rashly or with uncontrolled emotion was to invite defeat. The chessboard is a battlefield of the mind, and just as in war, the battle is often won not through quick action, but through careful thought, deliberate moves, and mental composure. Snigir’s wisdom echoes this ancient principle: the ability to remain cool-headed is what allows one to outmaneuver opponents, to find solutions when others are lost in the heat of the moment.

The Stoic philosophers of ancient Rome also understood the value of calmness in decision-making. Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-emperor, practiced meditation and self-discipline in order to keep his emotions in check, especially when faced with the burdens of ruling an empire. His meditations, written in moments of reflection, were an effort to remind himself of the importance of acting rationally, even when the world around him was filled with chaos. For Marcus, as for Snigir, the ability to remain calm was not just a personal strength—it was a way of maintaining control over one’s fate and ensuring that decisions were made based on reason, not emotion. In this way, chess, like the governance of an empire, requires mental clarity and patience.

In the context of chess, Snigir’s advice to be “cool as a cucumber” takes on a profound meaning. Chess is a game that often involves long periods of deliberation, where a single move can alter the course of the entire game. The pressure to act swiftly or rashly can be overwhelming, but it is in those moments that true mastery is found. The greatest chess players—whether Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov, or Magnus Carlsen—are known not just for their intellectual prowess, but for their ability to remain unruffled under the bright lights of competition. It is their mental fortitude and their ability to stay calm during crucial moments that sets them apart. Snigir’s reflection reminds us that to master chess, as in life, one must cultivate the inner stillness that allows for clear thinking and strategic action.

This lesson extends beyond the confines of chess and into every aspect of life. In moments of stress, when the world around us seems to demand quick responses, we must remember that patience and calmness often lead to better outcomes. Whether in business, personal relationships, or creative endeavors, it is those who can maintain a steady mind and think with clarity who are able to navigate challenges effectively. When we are calm, we can better assess the situation, weigh our options, and act with purpose.

Let us then strive to embrace the wisdom of remaining calm in all things. Like the great heroes, strategists, and philosophers of the past, we too must cultivate the art of mental composure. Let every decision we make be guided not by the heat of emotion but by the steady hand of reason and strategy. Whether on the chessboard or in the grand game of life, we are reminded by Snigir’s words that true strength lies in our ability to stay as cool as a cucumber, no matter what challenges lie before us.