Duda: Chess is a very objective game—you lose, or win based on the decisions you make

The Grand Chess Tour is marking its 10th anniversary this year. How do you feel about taking part in it?

It’s always good to be part of the Grand Chess Tour—it is a very prestigious event. This year, it is a bit different because there is a final in Brazil, which is very exciting. I am looking forward to playing against the top players and hope to reach the finals.

What makes the GCT special, and what does it mean for the chess community?

It is a combination of several things. It is commentated by Yasser Seirawan, a brilliant commentator who can get more people passionate about chess. Also, the venues are very good for the players. It is different from other tournaments because it is a tour, happening in various locations, and there are not many events like this. GCT was one of the first. The atmosphere is always very good.

What do you remember from your previous participations in the Grand Chess Tours?

I have very good memories of Warsaw, of course. Each year, I have performed worse—I was first in the first year, second in the second year—so I hope to do better this year.

In one of my first Grand Chess Tours in Croatia, I finished fourth or fifth. Right after that, I went to the World Cup in Russia and won it. That was a big moment for me. The rapid and blitz were very good practice.

You played in all of the last three editions of the Superbet Rapid and Blitz in Poland. Did you notice any changes?

It was always very well organized. We played in the POLIN Museum a few times, in the same playing hall. I think it was organized very well. I am used to playing chess in general, so I only have positive memories. There are quite a lot of spectators. Sometimes, I look at the audience and try to find familiar faces. My cousin usually comes to visit me when I play. Hopefully, she will come this year too.

How do you cope with the pressure of playing against top players?

It is very tricky. I remember when I played against Magnus for the first time—it was stressful. But after that, I had the chance to play him many times, so I got used to it.

How has chess changed your life?

I have been into chess since I was five, so my entire life is connected to chess. It is difficult for me to say how it changed me because I was already deeply into it from early childhood.

It is an interesting profession—you travel, you see different places, and there is satisfaction when you win. There is also a creative component, which is important for players. Chess is mostly about psychology, so you have to be mentally tough. Sometimes, when it doesn’t go very well, it is frustrating.

I cannot compare it to other disciplines, but in chess, when you underperform, it is very objective—when you lose, you lose. There is no one else to blame. When I was a kid, I was a very bad loser, but that has changed.

 What benefits does playing chess bring to people?

The ability to stay focused for a long time—doing one task without getting distracted—which is an important skill these days in the era of smartphones. Also, taking responsibility for your own decisions. Chess is a very objective game—you lose or win because of the decisions you made. People also think you are smarter than you actually are. For instance, in school, everyone believed that math and physics were easy for me just because I played chess.

You mentioned the psychological aspect of chess, but does it also require physical preparation?

Yes, because one game can last several hours. In regular tournaments, you play at least nine games, so you have to be in your best mental shape for over a week. Physical activity helps, especially in long games when you are tired. Every professional chess player does some type of sport to stay healthy. I do a bit of sports. I like individual disciplines. It’s not that running is better than swimming—it’s just about helping you stay in shape.

Do you think the Superbet Rapid & Blitz tournament affects chess in Poland?

Yes, definitely. There is a vast chess community in Poland, and there was a huge boom in chess, especially during the COVID pandemic. In general, the more people play chess, the better. It is also a fun activity. When you are a beginner, it can be even more fun than being a professional. Once it becomes your job, you have to focus a lot and cannot always do what you like. As a beginner, you can have more fun with it. I hope more people will get interested in chess after this year’s edition.

If you could steal one chess skill from another GCT player, which one would it be?

I would probably steal Gukesh’s discipline and devotion to chess. I admire his work ethic and passion. I am more of an easygoing person.

What advice would you give to a young chess player who wants to get where you are?

Play a lot, analyze, and learn from your games.

If your career were turned into a movie, who would play you, and what would the title be?

The actor from Now You See Me. I’m not sure about the title, but the plot would focus on how hard chess players have to work. There are a lot of emotional rollercoasters—you can play a brilliant game, make one wrong move, and lose everything. It would be story of struggle and passion. But I don’t think such a movie will ever happen.