La Jolla Teen Is a 'Life Master'

Even as a small child, Varun Krishnan was fascinated with board games. By age 3 he was skilled at nearly all of them, including his favorite, Chutes and Ladders. While this isn’t out of the ordinary for most children, that all began to change when Krishnan was introduced to chess at age 4. Now, 9 years later, he has earned the coveted title of Life Master from the U.S. Chess Federation and is well on his way to conquering the game.

Name: Varun Krishnan

Age: 13

School:

Accomplishment: Earned title of Life Master from the U.S. Chess Federation.

Key to Awesomeness: At a young age, Krishnan joined the ranks of an elite group of individuals. While being highly skilled at the game of chess is a rarity in itself, competing successfully is even more unique. At 13, he has completed over 300 games and earned a title that only 1 percent of players currently hold—Life Master.

“It feels good,” he said. “I was euphoric for some time, but then I realized that there is much more to achieve, and that the title was just a milestone along the way.”

Achieving the title of Life Master was no easy feat and required hours of practice and concentration. Prior to being named Life Master, Krishnan took part in the American Open and played for over five hours before finally securing the win. This proved vital to his success, setting him up for the title and awarding him with $1,500.

Krishnan, whose parents are originally from India, learned the game when his grandmother came to visit from their hometown. In India, chess originated as much more than a game. According to Krishnan’s mother, Aler, it was played by the kings and queens to help keep their minds sharp and strategic when it came to enemy invasions. Not only is Aler pleased that her son is skilled at a game that is so highly regarded in their culture, but she believes that it will help her son in daily life.

“It can definitely be applied to so many things in day-to-day life,” she said. “Chess really helps him think through everything strategically and keep him one step ahead."

Competing has not only helped Krishnan win awards, but it has helped him experience the world. While a member of the U.S. team he played in the world youth championship, giving him the opportunity to visit places like India and Turkey. And although achieving the title of Life Master is great, Krishnan isn’t willing to stop there. As for the future, he hopes to achieve the title of grandmaster.

“The most challenging aspect of chess is when you think you are good, you realize that you are really nowhere,” he said. “The good thing is there is always room for improvement.”