Checkmate on Your Terms: A Personal Journey with Correspondence Chess

Chess, the game of kings , has captivated minds for centuries. But for those of us with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or major depressive syndrome (MDD), the fast-paced, pressure-cooker environment of over-the-board chess can be a major turnoff. The constant need for focus can leave us feeling drained and frustrated, blaming ourselves for mistakes or for our minds wandering. I know this feeling all too well 😔 As someone who has struggled with ADD and MDD, I used to believe that chess was simply out of reach for me. The over-the-board experience was often a source of anxiety and personal disappointment. I'd find my mind drifting off, and the pressure of the clock would only exacerbate my frustrations. Discovering correspondence chess was a game-changer for me. The ability to think about my moves at my own pace was incredibly liberating. For the first time, I could truly enjoy the strategic depth of chess without the added stress. It's been a journey of self-discovery, as...