Sometimes, your next best move isn’t on the board — it’s inside you.”
– Chess65

 Why This Article Exists

At Chess65, we’ve seen champions fall and rise. We’ve coached kids, professionals, and late bloomers through both checkmates and life’s tough moments. But recently, we asked:

What if the real checkmate is in our mind — not just on the board?

Inspired by personal stories of struggle and transformation (like GM Avetik’s journey), we developed our own mental reset ritual — one that has already started reshaping how our students think, feel, and play.

We call it: R.I.S.E.

 Introducing R.I.S.E. — The Chess65 Practice to Rebuild, Refocus, and Rise

Every letter stands for something. Each step is rooted in chess psychology, peak performance, and mental clarity.

R – REFLECT

“A Grandmaster doesn’t just review their games. They review their thoughts.”

Start your day or post-game session with a moment of reflection. Ask:

• What did I learn yesterday?

• Where did I miss a tactical opportunity — in life or on the board?

• What am I grateful for in my chess journey?

I – INTERNALIZE

“You become what you repeat.”
– James Clear (Author of Atomic Habits)

Take 5 minutes to repeat your chess affirmations. Try:

• “I learn from every loss.”

• “I am calm under pressure.”

• “Every mistake sharpens my intuition.”

Feel the words. Believe them.

S – STRATEGIZE

“Without a plan, even the best pieces are powerless.”
– Chess65

Think like a GM. Visualize your day like it’s a chess game.

• What’s your opening today? (How do you start your morning?)

• Midgame challenges? (Workload, study, fatigue?)

• What’s your endgame goal? (Peace? Progress? A good blitz session?)

Strategize your day with intent — not just your games.

E – EXECUTE

“You can study all the tactics in the world — but until you move, nothing happens.”

Take one bold action. Today. Right now.

• Sign up for that online chess tournament.

• Review that difficult loss from last week.

• Message your coach and ask for feedback.

• Or simply — play a thoughtful game without distractions.

Make your move.

 What Students Say After Trying R.I.S.E.

“I stopped spiraling after losses. R.I.S.E. helped me breathe, focus, and start loving chess again.” – Ananya, Grade 4

“My rating jumped 200 points, not because I studied more, but because I stopped doubting myself.” – Ishan, 11

 Want to Try It?

We built a free interactive R.I.S.E. guide for our students (and you!).

•  Join chess65 club
• Share your daily R.I.S.E. moments on Instagram using #Chess65RiseAgain

Book Your FREE Session Today
Tag us on Instagram @chess65.online

Why It Works — Science & Strategy Behind R.I.S.E.

• Mental Reset: Mindfulness practices like reflection and visualization improve decision-making under pressure.

• Chess Affirmations: Rewiring self-belief impacts performance more than rote tactics alone.

• Daily Strategy: Treating life like a chessboard creates purpose and clarity.

“When your mind is aligned, your moves follow.”
– Coach Krishna, FIDE Rated and International Chess Player & and Coach

 Final Message: Create Your Own Ritual

Our method isn’t the only way.
But it’s a proven way.

Take what resonates. Drop what doesn’t. Add your own flavor. Whether you use R.I.S.E., ALFAVE, or create something totally new — just start.

Because the hardest opponent is often the one inside your mind.

“The player who rises is not the one who never blunders. It’s the one who recovers — with grace, grit, and guidance.”