Personality, patience, fighting spirit, hard work, and confidence—these are the hallmarks of a chess champion. Anje van Jaarsveld, a second-year BCom Law student at UP-Tuks, embodies them all. Selected to represent TuksChess at the USSA Chess Championships from 29 November to 3 December 2024, Van Jaarsveld thrives on the challenges chess presents.

When asked what she loves about playing chess, the Tuks student said, "I love the intense thinking that comes with playing. Each game is unique and requires strategic planning and concentration, making it challenging every time. I am terribly competitive and love a challenge. When playing, I continuously gain new insights and skills. It's as if the game never stops developing and keeps me sharp and motivated.

"My strength is my ability to spot patterns quickly and remember positions. It helps me learn tactics and strategies and implement them quickly on the board. Which is definitely an advantage in the heat of a match.

"I have a few favourite openings in my repertoire, which I have honed over time. So I know them inside out. It's great to see how a familiar opening can surprise opponents and force them to adjust their openings. In chess, you choose your openings based on who else plays them and how well they can play them. I often draw inspiration from the 'Grandmasters' games."

According to Van Jaarsveld, there are no shortcuts to playing competitive chess.

"Chess requires hours of practice and constant learning. You'll struggle to make sacrifices if you don't love the game. When preparing for a tournament, I usually review my favourite openings. I also research my potential opponents' past matches to identify possible patterns. Fitness is of cardinal importance as it enables you to concentrate for long periods.

"The longest game I have played lasted four hours. My secret to long focus is drinking lots of water. It may sound strange, but it helps me stay clear and energetic."

Competing at the African Youth Championships in Ghana in 2021 was a definite highlight. She finished second in her age group.

Van Jaarsveld's advice to young players is to be patient and have a willingness to learn. 

"Chess is not something you master overnight. It takes time and commitment. Focus on the basics, but be bold and try new things. Learn from your mistakes and remember that every game is an opportunity to grow, regardless of the outcome.

"Newcomers to the game should watch The Queen's Gambit on Netflix. It's a brilliant narrative that engagingly presents the game. After that, they should play a few friendly matches on chess to experience the charm of chess firsthand. It might be what they need to bite the chess bug."

As to other hobbies, Van Jaarsveld said, "I participated in debate and public speaking at a national level, which were fantastic experiences. I even got a few podium places. These days, I coach debate and public speaking in high schools."