Priyanka Nutakki - India's Rising Chess Star Shines Bright With WGM Title And National Championship Winner (Indian Chess Grandmaster)

"Imagine in chess: telepathy for seamless tournament travel or boundless memory for unrivaled preparation"

1. What first got you interested in chess and motivated you to pursue it professionally?

I was seven years old when I first encountered chess, and the unique movement of each piece fascinated me. My parents noticed my interest and enrolled me in a summer camp that included chess as one of its activities. During that camp, I won the U-7 district chess championship, which was an exhilarating experience for me. Within two years, I went on to win my first Nationals, and it became evident to my parents that I had a natural talent for the game. Recognizing my potential, they supported me in pursuing chess professionally. The thrill of winning trophies and the recognition I received fueled my motivation to work harder and achieve more in the chess world.

2. Can you share a critical career moment where you had to make a significant sacrifice, either on or off the board?

The path to becoming a professional chess player demands continuous sacrifices. One of the most significant sacrifices I had to make was missing out on a typical school and college life. While my peers were enjoying childhood fun and creating lifelong memories, I often found myself traveling for tournaments or practicing intensively. Additionally, I missed many important family events and celebrations. Although these sacrifices were challenging, they were necessary for me to compete at the highest levels and continue progressing in my career.

3. How has 'The Queen’s Gambit' influenced the perception of chess, especially among young players?

Although I haven't had the chance to watch 'The Queen’s Gambit' yet, I've heard many positive things about it from friends and fellow players. The series has significantly boosted the popularity of chess worldwide, especially among young players. It's inspiring to see how a well-crafted story can bring attention to the intellectual and strategic depth of chess, potentially attracting new enthusiasts to the game.

4. How do you balance logic and intuition during critical moments in a game?

Balancing logic and intuition is crucial during critical moments in a chess game. My approach is to make my intuitive moves align with logical reasoning. This balance doesn’t always work perfectly, but the more classical games you study, the better your understanding of various positions and strategies becomes. This deepens your intuition, allowing you to make quicker and more accurate decisions under pressure. Over time, this practice helps in refining your instinctual play, making it more effective in high-stakes situations.

5. What practical advice do you have for young chess enthusiasts aiming to improve their game?

For young chess enthusiasts, my advice is to play as many games as possible, including online games. It's essential to analyze each game to identify and understand your weaknesses. This process of self-reflection and learning from mistakes is crucial for improvement. Personally, this approach was instrumental in my early success, helping me win my first Nationals. Consistent practice and analysis will help you build a solid foundation and steadily enhance your skills.

6. If you could have a superpower for chess, what would it be?

If I could have a superpower for chess, I would choose Teleportation—the ability to instantly travel anywhere in the world. This power would allow me to participate in tournaments globally without the hassle of visa issues and flight expenses, making it easier to compete at the highest levels. Another superpower I’d love to have is unlimited memory. This would enable me to remember and recall every game, opening, and strategy, allowing me to outprepare even the best players in the world. Having such a vast repository of knowledge at my disposal would give me a significant edge in every game.

Bio:

Priyanka Nutakki, born in 2002, is an Indian chess prodigy who achieved the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title in 2022. Her dedication to chess and impressive performances make her a rising star in the world of Indian chess. Keep an eye on Priyanka’s promising career!

She secured a notable victory at the MPL 47th National Women Chess Championship in March 2022, further cementing her status in the chess community. Priyanka has also excelled in youth chess championships across various age groups, earning recognition and accolades for her outstanding achievements.

Interviwed by: Shantanu Singh 

Edited by: Mishika Goel