3 Year Old Anish Chooses GothamChess Over Peppa Pig, Scores Big

Three-year-old Anish Sarkar from Kolkata, India, is defying expectations with his passion for chess, setting aside typical toddler favorites like Peppa Pig and Baby Shark for chess idols like International Master Levy Rozman and Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen. Anish has become the world’s youngest-rated player, achieving an impressive initial FIDE rating of 1555. 

Early Start and Rise to Fame

• Anish, born in January 2021, took to chess nearly a year ago, around his third birthday.
• Initially introduced to various YouTube channels, he became captivated by chess videos, watching them continuously.
• His journey gained attention when ChessBase India documented his progress with videos showcasing his understanding of advanced concepts like smothered mate and double-rook sacrifice checkmate.

First Steps in Competitive Chess

• Began competing in tournaments, starting with a rapid event where he scored 5/11.
• At this same event, he had the opportunity to play against India’s top-ranked player, GM Arjun Erigaisi, in a 15-board simultaneous exhibition (simul).
• Made his classical debut at the West Bengal U9 Championship, competing against older players and scoring an impressive 5.5/8, finishing 24th among 140 participants.

Achievements and FIDE Rating

• In a tournament for players under 13, he fulfilled the criteria for a FIDE rating, officially receiving his rating on November 1.
• FIDE has confirmed Anish as the world’s youngest-rated player, though it remains uncertain if he is the youngest ever to achieve this milestone.

About International Chess Federation (FIDE) 

Full Name and Abbreviation

• The International Chess Federation is known by its French name, Fédération Internationale des Échecs, leading to the abbreviation FIDE.

Foundation and History

• FIDE was founded on July 20, 1924, in Paris, marking the last day of the first unofficial Chess Olympiad.
• July 20 is now celebrated annually as International Chess Day to honor FIDE’s founding.

Headquarters

• FIDE is headquartered in Switzerland.

Role and Responsibilities

• Global Chess Governance: FIDE serves as the governing body for international chess.
• Coordination of Chess Federations: FIDE works with almost 200 national chess federations (as of 2020).
• Organization of Tournaments: Oversees major international chess competitions, including the Chess Olympiad, World Chess Championships, and other prestigious events.
• Rules and Regulations: Establishes the official rules of chess and regulates international competition formats and standards.
• Ratings System: Maintains an international player rating system to rank chess players based on their performance.

Motto

• FIDE’s motto is “Gens una sumus”, a Latin phrase meaning “We are one family,” reflecting its mission to unite the global chess community.

Significance of International Chess Day

• Celebrated on July 20 each year, International Chess Day promotes the game and commemorates FIDE’s efforts in developing the chess community worldwide.