Chess grandmaster Ju Wenjun reveals work ethic and careful planning as keys to her success

Ju Wenjun stole the show at the 2017 World Rapid Chess Championship in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, when she won the women’s category last December. The 26-year-old Shanghai resident was granted the prestigious grandmaster status by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) in November 2014. She is China’s 31st grandmaster and the 31st woman worldwide to hold the title. Ju is ranked second in the world according to the FIDE’s January ratings. Her next assignment will be against Chinese compatriot defending champion, Tan Zhongyi in the 2018 Women’s World Chess Championship.

She tells STYLE that a focused work ethic and careful planning (while having fun) helped her rise through the ranks of professional chess masters.

1. How did you get into playing chess and what motivated you to turn professional?

I started playing chess when I was seven in 1998, when there was an interesting chess class in school. I liked it very much and kept at it. At the 2004 Shanghai Qiyuan, by the Shanghai Chess Sports and Management Center, they needed young women to play in the tournament. I was very lucky to join them. I became a professional chess player that year.

2. What goes into becoming a chess grandmaster and what was it like when you received that recognition?

Keep working on your chess. Play more international tournaments. The grandmaster title makes you feel you are more professional and more confident. Not just on the chess board but also in real life.

3. What is training like, and how many hours do you usually put in preparation for a game/tournament? Are lessons with another master chess player essential?

Usually, I train by myself. I follow top chess events. If there are some interesting games, I will do some deep analysis. Usually, I prepare one or two hours for a game, to decide which opening I will go for. I think when you are on a certain level and you want to develop your chess skill, then lessons with another master are necessary. Another master can guide you to avoid many mistakes and widen your vision.

4. A lot of sports with Western origins (polo or ice hockey) require an initial investment that can run deep (equipment, lessons, travel expenses), and are considered ‘prestigious’ sports in Asia. How comparable is chess as a lifestyle game in China?

Chess is an ‘intelligent’ sports in China. More young kids are studying it. Chess is already offered as a daily course in some schools. When I tell people I am a professional chess player, they think you are very smart. Studying chess is simple. You just need a chess board and you can start with your friends. So in comparison to ‘prestigious’ sports, I would prefer using the word ‘intelligent’ sports.

5. Chess is a game of strategy (playing against an opponent), but also of playing against time. What is your personal philosophy on time and time management?

Time management is very important. I like my strategy and plan to be perfect so I usually spend a lot of time on calculating, and sometimes I run out of time. I think it is good to play fast, but it is definitely not easy. My idea is: if you are confused in a position, just follow your heart.